Is this plant OK to add to a tank?

[ken123]

Do you know anything about it? Shaving brush.

 

[bertoni]

They won't hurt anything, although they will consume calcium. I think they're a bit picky about water conditions. I'll likely try one or two some day.

 

[ken123]

I don't see many pictures of plants in tanks. I guess plants usually stay in the fuge. Any idea how large these can grow?

 

[bertoni]

I don't remember how large they get. Most people indeed don't like algae.

 

[ken123]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6661149#post6661149 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bertoni
Most people indeed don't like algae.

What do you mean? This would not be considered algae, right?

 

[Amphiprion]

Yes, it is an algae--very few true plants are available in the aquarium trade.

 

[bertoni]

Yep, technically it's an alga. There are a few seagrasses in the trade that are true plants. billsreef.com sells some of them, and might have some pictures.

 

[piranhaking]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6661283#post6661283 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Amphiprion
Yes, it is an algae--very few true plants are available in the aquarium trade.

i assume you mean saltwater aquarium trade?

 

[Amphiprion]

Correct. I have a FW planted tank, so that is a more obvious answer.

 

[ken123]

Hmmm. OK, never thought of it as algae. Decided against it at this point. Hope to start a fuge soon. Better of that way then.

 

[fambrough]

Algae gets a bad wrap for the most part (excepting coraline, of course). There are lots of us who like and encourage macros. I think my display is very dynamic. I have some really beautiful macros: sargassum spp., ochtodes, a few as yet unidentified rhodophyta that are superb. Halimeda is a calcium using macro that is quite unique. It's true, I have some valonia sp. as well, but it is not difficult for me to control with all the other species. Anyway, to each his own.

Cheers,
Ben

 

[Bandsaw]

Personally, I see nothing wrong with having it in your display tank. If it fits in with what you are trying to achieve with your display, go for it. As a bonus, you have one more natural method in your system for exporting nutrients - and you get the beauty benefit from it.

Don't run away just because it has the name "Algae" on it. There are many beautiful forms of algae.

 

[piranhaking]

i didnt notice the plant tank in your sig. just making sure.