Macro algae for the refuge?

[Playdope]

I have an empty chamber in my sump I plan to use to store macro algae - just to compete for nutrients with the algae that wants to grow in the display tank.

I won't be doing a DSB in the chamber due to the way its setup, but which types of macroalgae would be the best choices for me. I was just thinking of putting some small frags of LR in there with them. Another reason I ask is because I dont want anything that is gonna go sexual on me and cause a problem. What do you recommend?

Thanks!
Jon

 

[Playdope]

Would a single 96 PC work, or do I need something smaller over this small +- 1ft/1ft chamber (about 1.2-1.5 ft. tall).

Jon

 

[Python73]

You want chaetomorpha (spaghetti algae). 96w PC is overkill, my chaeto grows like a weed under an 18w strip light.

S !

 

[Playdope]

Sounds great, thanks. When you say 18watt strip light is that just a simple florecent tube + fixture from home depot or something?

Does this algae just float at the suface? Do you think it will avoid getting sucked under the gap that leads to the next chamber? If not, all I could think of is using some kind of mesh over the hole, but I dont know about that ... I was trying to avoid any kind of sponge/mechanical filtration in the tank... wouldn't a mesh trap detritus like a sponge, and let it sit there decaying?

Anyway... let me know whatcha think
Jon

 

[Python73]

Chaeto indeed floats. It grows in a brillo-like mass. It should be fine without the screen.

S !

 

[billsreef]

something as simple as a piece of eggcrate will do to keep the chaet from sucking under the gap.

 

[Playdope]

Great responses guys, Thanks!

Do they usually carry this macro at LFS, or would it be best to mail order?

About how much do I want in a 1.2 (long)x1.2 front/backx 1.5 tall chamber? BTW, the water will only be filled about 8 inches in the chamber.

Jon

 

[piercho]

IME, you won't see Chaeto at an LFS, unless you just happen to come in after a reefer brings in a big bag of export Chaeto. Inland Aquatics sales it and will ship it. I keep it under 250W 6500K, and it grows well for me. You can let it grow completely over the surface of the refugia.

Sargassum is another algae that will grow quickly and floats. Bright-light loving algae, IME.

I also keep red Gracillaria growing under the mat of Chaeto and in the Refugia. It grows fairly slowly for me in the fuge where there is not a strong current. Seems to grow better in the tank where there is relatively strong current.

 

[Python73]

If most LFS didn't suck, they'd have a bin of chaeto in the back room, and be selling handfulls for $5-$10 and pods kits to boot. BUT... they do suck. I've never seen it in a store.

Best to get it in a frag swap or hook up with a RC member with it. Rob from ECC has a sump full, I believe he is seling it.

S !