Theoretically, how could a kelp forest effect be achieved by a home aquarist? When I say kelp forest, I really just mean anything similar; a benthic Sargassum like Muticum, for example, would work just as well as an actual kelp. Also, considering the depth required to get an authentic effect (I am thinking about 40"/1 m deep would be necessary), how would lighting work? I am just wondering if anyone has ideas about how this could be done/thinks it is even feasible.
Kelp Forest
- Thread starter JLynn
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velvetelvis
Active member
I think lighting could be an issue. Gulf Coast Ecosystems sells an anchored species of Sargassum that could work, but they state that it needs bright light. I'm thinking that getting enough light to penetrate all the way down might be an issue in such a deep tank, especially as the macro grows and shades out the lower sections.
On the other hand, there's LED lighting, which is quite bright and won't heat up the tank. Maybe that's a possibility.
What livestock are you considering? Is this going to be a sort of miniaturized kelp forest?
This is a really interesting idea. I hope you're able to pursue it.
On the other hand, there's LED lighting, which is quite bright and won't heat up the tank. Maybe that's a possibility.
What livestock are you considering? Is this going to be a sort of miniaturized kelp forest?
This is a really interesting idea. I hope you're able to pursue it.
Miniaturized kelp forest? Yeah, basically. As far as livestock... If I was going to get a tank that tall, I would probably just go ahead and get H. Ingens (seahorse species), which grow up to 1 ft from nose to tip of the tail. I don't know what their tankmates would be; maybe a pair of cardinals or a mandarin. I suppose a Chromis Viridis would make a nice contrast as well. The idea came up while I was planning out my seahorse tank (which is why Ingens would be ideal livestock) and I first dismissed it as ridiculous, mostly 'cause I couldn't figure out what plants to use for that effect. But I figured I should at least give the idea the benefit of the doubt before dismissing it out of hand. Honestly, I love kelp forests so much I prefer them to the Great Barrier Reef, so having my own personal one at home sounds heavenly. Would LED really provide sufficient lighting? I didn't think they were quite powerful enough... I was thinking that I would have to supplement the overhead lighting with LED strips on the sides of the tank. Obviously, I want to preserve the mysterious aura that you get in the depths of a kelp forest, so I don't want too much lighting on the sides, but I don't see how it could be done without some lighting on the sides to make up for the depth issue. If this idea ends up looking feasible I suppose I will go for it after all.
As far as my "kelp", I chose Muticum as an example because it generally grows 1-2 meters tall, which fits the depth of my hypothetical tank perfectly, and does form 'forests' in the ocean. Another possibility is Macrocystis Integrifolia, a shorter, shallower, similar-looking relative of the Giant Kelp. I am temporarily ignoring the issue of locating the plants; I may end up needing to ask around to see if someone would collect some for me and ship it to Texas. Of course I would have to double check the laws about that; S. Muticum is an invasive species originating in Japan, so there may be laws regarding it specifically. I don't know. The nice thing about Muticum, though, is that people have had good luck with keeping it in home aquariums. It seems to be very hardy and tolerant, which bodes well. I am not sure about Macrocystis Integrifolia, though. I couldn't find much info on it at all.
If not Ingens, then probably a species of Chromis. One of the more peaceful ones, like Chromis Viridis and Black Axil Chromis; a group of 10-12 and maybe one or two slightly more aggressive tankmates to provide a centripetal force and encourage them not to systematically pick one another off. The logic in this is probably horribly flawed, but ideally a tankmate aggressive enough to make them feel a little bit threatened but not so aggressive as to actually hurt them would hopefully keep the Chromis allied against a common enemy. The whole systematic killing thing is why I have never tried Chromis before. I would hate to have that happen, and everybody seems to agree that it is inevitable with them. Does anyone have a better idea for stocking the hypothetical tank?
velvetelvis
Active member
I don't like the idea of chromis in a tall tank. It doesn't seem like enough swimming space (although I don't know the dimensions).
This might sound a little off-the-wall, but since you're creating a miniature kelp forest, how about a smaller fish that somewhat resembles a species found in that habitat? For example, a green "wolf eel" to stand in for a moray? Or a yellow damselfish instead of a garibaldi?*
Just some ideas...feel free to disregard them!
*Please note that I'm not promoting LA as the only source of livestock--they're just a convenient source of images.
This might sound a little off-the-wall, but since you're creating a miniature kelp forest, how about a smaller fish that somewhat resembles a species found in that habitat? For example, a green "wolf eel" to stand in for a moray? Or a yellow damselfish instead of a garibaldi?*
Just some ideas...feel free to disregard them!
*Please note that I'm not promoting LA as the only source of livestock--they're just a convenient source of images.
velvetelvis
Active member
I've never kept one, but I'm assuming it's your typical feisty damsel--thus probably not a good candidate for a community tank.
If your heart is set on schooling fish, there's Zoramia leptacantha (threadfin cardinalfish) or Apogon margaritophorus (copper-lined or margarita cardinalfish), both of which stay small (around 2"-2.5"), prefer to be kept in groups, and are quite peaceful and pretty. Threadfins are available tank-raised and copper-lineds are available captive-bred, which is always a plus in my book--especially with fish that tend to be delicate shippers.
If your heart is set on schooling fish, there's Zoramia leptacantha (threadfin cardinalfish) or Apogon margaritophorus (copper-lined or margarita cardinalfish), both of which stay small (around 2"-2.5"), prefer to be kept in groups, and are quite peaceful and pretty. Threadfins are available tank-raised and copper-lineds are available captive-bred, which is always a plus in my book--especially with fish that tend to be delicate shippers.
I am not necessarily set on schooling fish, but I don't want to have just one fish in a tank that size, so damselfish are probably a poor choice in this case. The cardinals sound nice, though. Thanks! I'll be sure to let you know when I take on this project. I definitely want more experience with marine planted tanks before taking on an ambitious project like this. (If you'd like to try it, post pictures!)
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