Attractive macro + nutrient export?

[silverdust]

Hello all. I'm setting up a 2.5g pico and would like to put some kind of macro behind the LR, something decorative that would help with nutrient export and is easy to care for. I've been researching a bit but it seems that many of the attractive macros also require quite a bit of care (dosing, etc). I have an 18w compact flourescent light coming, and will not be upgrading any further for quite a while, if at all. I do plan on having some chaeto in a HOB DIY fuge but still would like something nice in the display. Does anyone have suggestions? Thanks in advance.

 

[DetectiveTofu]

maybe some caulerpa?

 

[silverdust]

Sorry, should have mentioned that several species of caulerpa are illegal in CA because they are considered invasive species.

 

[bencozzy]

gracilaria sp. are fairly easy and grow at a good rate.

reefnutrition sells gracilaria pacifica i believe

 

[H20Sidhe]

Do you plan to have any herbivores in your pico?

I have always wanted some ochtodes. I am not sure how much care it requires, but IMO probably worth it.

I have some very nice halymenia in my refugium, but the herbivores would eat it up if they could get to it. Reds (rhodophyta) can get by with less light than greens. Pretty much any macroalgae will take up nitrates, and to a lesser extent phosphate (what is it Samala, about 16/1 ratio?) but as you mention some are more sensitive and require addition of other nutrients (like iron), and some will really suck up the calcium (like halimeda). Decorative is in the eye of the beholder . . . look at some of the pics that some of the vendors have & decide what you like.

On that topic, anyone with any acetabularia experience? That is another macro that I would love to try to grow, but I don't know how difficult it is.