how to grow macro algae?

[DotAlbo]

Sorry if this has been discussed before. What is macro algae and how do i grow macro algae?

 

[serpentman]

Macro is a complex algae (as apposed to diatom, etc) that is used to export nutrients and out compete less desirable nuisance algaes. Common species in aquaria are caulerpa and chaetomorpha. Growing is easy. All you have to do is dedicate an area to grow it such as a refugium or dedicated section of your sump. Macro grows well under a standard 6500K daylight compact flourescent bulb from Home Depot, etc.

You might want to google Refugiums to see more on how to set up.

 

[snorvich]

And I recommend not using Caulerpa. It can go asexual and is difficult to remove if you have a problem with it.

 

[Aquarist007]

here is a thread that will really help you out

Refugiums and Macro Algae
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1349443

 

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13019184#post13019184 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by serpentman
Macro is a complex algae (as apposed to diatom, etc) that is used to export nutrients and out compete less desirable nuisance algaes. Common species in aquaria are caulerpa and chaetomorpha. Growing is easy. All you have to do is dedicate an area to grow it such as a refugium or dedicated section of your sump. Macro grows well under a standard 6500K daylight compact flourescent bulb from Home Depot, etc.

You might want to google Refugiums to see more on how to set up.

you might want to access my log book thread for more information on caulerpa going sexual--it is a real risk
and as serpentman states--go with chaeto

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=13017166#post13017166

 

[DotAlbo]

thank you guys for all the info.

 

[DotAlbo]

Hi Guys, one more question, how do i get chaetomorpha algae and once it grows in the sump or refugiums what do i do with it? just leave it in there? thanks,

 

[kau_cinta_ku]

you can check out the selling forums, or find a local club around you, they usually give the stuff away. when it grows to big tear it in half and toss in the garbage or give to someone else that is in need.

 

[DotAlbo]

ok thanks

 

[SantaMonica]

A new option, called a Turf Algae Filter, is one that does not go sexual and will not spread to your display, yet is more powerful (faster growing) than even caulerpa.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=12931276#post12931276

 

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13025012#post13025012 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DotAlbo
Hi Guys, one more question, how do i get chaetomorpha algae and once it grows in the sump or refugiums what do i do with it? just leave it in there? thanks,

once your chaeto starts to grow then you need to harvest at least half of what you have every week. By harvesting it you are removing the nitrates and phosphates from your water column that the chaeto absorbs.
The reason for harvesting it weekly is it stimulates more growth of the remaining chaeto More growth=less aglae