Macro algae only tank.

[shrimpgal]

I love macro algaes and there are quite a variety
Post your pics for all of us to see your progress:bounce3:

 

[Subsea]

Amazing Mollies

Amazing Mollies

Thank you for the nice words of encouragement. I agree that a small shoal of fish would look good swimming through the plants. Had considered adding some pajama cardinals. But what I want to achieve first is a tank that supports life from the microscopic up, and stopping short of the next step in the food chain, fish. I would like to have a lot of zoo-plankton, copepods, and amphipods for some corals to live off. In a way producing my own marine snow. Brine shrimp, and small creatures of all kinds. I have a stereo microscope as well as lab grade compound, so am looking forward to seeing what exists in my tank.

Bryn

In most of my macro tanks, I have different mollie species. They are great dither fish, eat micro algae and biofilm, and reproduce prolifically. I have fourth and fifth generation mollies in different outside grow out tanks. To have a productive macro lagoon, you should think "high nutrient system". If you don't supply nutrients, your system will not flourish.
Patrick

 

[Whiterabbitrage]

Sounds like you are having fun, Bryn. Did you decide to go with RO water instead of Di? I find its works just fine. Did you add pods? I added a few varieties. It took a month or two before they did any damage to the macros and only to the Ulva. They take pieces of it and make little houses. Keeping a non fish reef tank is a great experience. Watching the algae sway is very peaceful. And like you said, it's nice to be able to leave home for a few days without worrying about fish. I keep 1 mandarin now and he keeps the pods in check, with a little help from a McCoskers wrasse. I tried the Mermaids Wineglass but it didn't make it. Maybe it will survive for you? I haven't had a problem with macroalgae and LPS yet, knock wood. Hope you post more pix soon.

 

[Lsufiregal]

How is this tank?

 

[AtomicMonster]

The cheapest aragonite sand will do great from any overpriced colored sand.. as for rock.. your choice really. I.E Tonga Branches, Fiji Rock, Caribbean Rock.. common choice for live rock Is Florida Rock. Also consider getting base rock to put live rock ontop of.. you want the good stuff to sit on something other than sand.. Also with a planted aquarium consider buying some macro food.. In case you have die off.

 

[Bratyboy2]

I dose nitrates and trace by dry ferts that I had for my freshwater planted tank

 

[Bryn]

Wow,

Let me say how much I appreciate the help and time given to me nearly three years ago. Unfortunately life took a slight turn and had to reset my priorities and my dream was put on hold. Now I'm back to start up from the beginning again, but with this great wealth of information.

I did not get to the LPS stage, and my intentions have really not changed, a Macro predominate tank would be a better description though. I not sure if I should resurrect this thread, or start a new one, called "Macro algae only tank. 2nd try".

Once again let me say thank you so much to those who gave so freely of your time in replying, thank you to all.

Bryn

 

[Michael Hoaster]

Welcome back to the macro section! I like your concept. Building your ecosystem from the bottom up is way cool. As a salt water newbie, I wouldn't bother with any corals for awhile. Just focusing on macros is challenge enough!

Good luck! I look forward to following along!

 

[nawilson89]

I'm going to jump in also. Of course I tend to fall off every once in a while.

Hope this goes well for you!

I'm hoping to upgrade both my tanks into a 55g in a few months and then work on a 20g mangrove tank!