best lighting to grow macros

[fishymann]

I've got some macro aglae; maidens hair, red feather kelp, red grape kelp, and a few others (Chlorodesmis,Haliptilon,Botryocladia) I would like to cut and attach to some small rubble and put in a small container (thinking like a 12qt rubbermaid container) put in a powerhead for watermovent and maybe like a hermit crab to provide some ammonia and basically farm the algaes.

What would be the best way to go about htis and the best light to use (temperature wise) ? Thank you

 

[Samala]

Anywhere from 4000-10,000K flavor light can work. Many people use something in the 6700K range because they are commonly available for the aquarium trade and aren't too yellow.

If you are going to light something as small as a rubbermaid container you could consider using screw-in type compact flourescents. Others have used them with success over small DIY refugiums. That would probably be the best 'spotlight' for this small culture setup.

>Sarah

 

[fishymann]

yea i have a compact floruescent screw in on my sump\fuge that seems to be doing good (sold at hd i think its like somewhere in the 5000K range), wasnt sure if that would work the best. than kyou i think i'll pick up a few bulbs and a few fixtures that have those reflectors to use. would i need to tie it into my sump or would just a powerhead and weekly water changes work well?

 

[Samala]

If you tie it into your sump and your larger overall system you won't be able to play with nutrient dosing, or using CO2.. both of which would really accelerate the growth of the algae (well, its how I do it at least).

A powerhead and a water change every two weeks might work out fine. Check out the "forum favorites" stickie at the top of this forum for some thoughts on dosing CO2, nitrate, phosphate, iron, and such.

>Sarah

 

[fishymann]

so your saying i should keep it seperate? I will read up on dosing thank you.

 

[Samala]

Keep it separate only if you want to be able to experiment. However, this will mean you'll need to provide all the nutrients manually. If the main display generates plenty of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and all the rest, then you could tie it in and still grow macroalgae. Tying it in would probably be the 'easy' way to do it.. provided the bioload generates enough to keep the macroalgae going.

>Sarah