How much macroalgae can I have in my tank?

[Weboh]

I like macroalgae. I already have some caulerpa. I heard it's supposed to be very prolific but it hasn't grown much. I'm assuming that's because my urchin is keeping it in check. Taking a guess, I'd say I have about 20-40 cubic inches in there.

My LFS has some that it just calls macroalgae that's close to the same color as my Philippine feather duster. I think it would look nice having some surrounding it, but I don't know how much I can have. I know macroalgae depend on nitrate, which is currently at 0. I read zoas (which I'm getting soon) use nitrates as well (not nearly as much as macroalgae but I think they need a little bit).

Do you think I can get a bit more macroalgae or not?

 

[anthonys51]

problem with caulerpa is that when there isn't enough nutrients to support growth, they will go sexual. meaning they will just melt and pollute the water. so its not like there is a limit on on how much macro algae you can have in the tank, its just with certain species they willl just die or melt when they dont get enough nutrients. you might want to look at other types of macro algae. the ones that calcify dont need as much nutrients to live. ps your lfs doesn't know the name of something they are selling i would be weary of shopping there. look at http://www.live-plants.com/ even if you dont buy it there, they give you some good information

 

[Sk8r]

You shouldn't have any in your dt and I would strongly recommend doing anything you can at outset to blitz this stuff.

 

[Weboh]

You shouldn't have any in your dt and I would strongly recommend doing anything you can at outset to blitz this stuff.

Why shouldn't I have any in my DT? I can have some in a sump or something but not in my DT? How are they bad for a DT? Because it grows so well and can overtake corals? My fish and urchin both like to eat it so it's not getting out of hand at all.

Is this advice for all macroalgae or just caulerpa?

 

[anthonys51]

yes caulerpa can overrun a tank. but its really up to you, its your display tank. many would advise for you to keep it out because in time it will be impossible to control. buts its your tank and your the one who has to be happy with the look. i used to love mushroom, now i wont put one in my tank, used to have a tank with all lps, now i am going mostly sps. what sk8r is saying once it gains a foothold in your tank, you will wish you never started with it.

 

[JZinCO]

Because reefers don't like things that grow fast.

I half kid. There are some arguments against macros in the DT, but they are the same arguments people make against xenia, GSP, blue clove polyps, etc. Basically they can out compete more desired coral.

I kind of went through that myself. For about 6 mo, I wasn't happy that I introduced caulerpa into my tank. Now I love seeing the fronds wisp among duncan tentacles.

So I would recommend that for whatever macroalgae, read up on others' experience with it. While I do like the caulerpa, I think I more prefer macros in a display that don't hold so fast to the rocks.

 

[JZinCO]

As to the OP, you'll see when you are maxed on macros. That means either trim or add nutrients. I tend to trim my fastest growing ones every couple weeks and my slowest growing ones every couple months.

 

[anthonys51]

because reefers don't like things that grow fast.

I half kid. There are some arguments against macros in the dt, but they are the same arguments people make against xenia, gsp, blue clove polyps, etc. Basically they can out compete more desired coral.

I kind of went through that myself. For about 6 mo, i wasn't happy that i introduced caulerpa into my tank. Now i love seeing the fronds wisp among duncan tentacles.

So i would recommend that for whatever macroalgae, read up on others' experience with it. While i do like the caulerpa, i think i more prefer macros in a display that don't hold so fast to the rocks.

+1

 

[mcgyvr]

Because reefers don't like things that grow fast.

well.. as long as its something desirable then I'm all for a fast grower..

If all they want is a macro tank.. Then go for it..

 

[OrQidz]

There is a macroalgae forum here at RC - check it out! I think having both a reef with a whole variety of corals AND a thriving macro tank is tricky. But macro tanks are really neat in their own right.