Macro in main dislplay tank?

[jmorgret]

I am moving my tank to a new location and will not have room for my sump. I'd like to have some macroalgae though and was wondering if people grow it in their main display tanks? I've seen some threads in regards to a planted tank, that's not really what I am after. Does anyone use it in their main otherwise? Outside of fish picking at it, is there a downside to this I am unaware of? Will it take over?

 

[bill-fit]

Thats what happened in my tank. I had the grape caluerpa take over. I too did not have room for a refugium in my sump.

My tank is down now while I replump a refugium in the garage and make other changes unrelated to macro problem

 

[graveyardworm]

Some macros will work well in a display, halimeda, shaving brush, cheato, gracillaria are a few common ones. Stay away from caulerpa it can take over if not well maintained.

 

[da1jewfish]

use caution though, b/c sometimes they can overrun the main tank just like they tend to do in a refugium

 

[Davidb6]

I'm starting a 65 gal reef and also wondering about macro / plants myself.

Caulerpa and Halimeda are in this really nice display tank which is what inspired me -
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2006/12/aquarium/view

Emailed a few of the on-line dealers for these things and the response is split between - "don't do it" and "if you choose the right one's you'll be fine"

The right one's for in the tank seem to be - Chaetomorpha (Red Kelp) and Halimeda so far.

 

[graveyardworm]

The key to keeping caulerpa in the display is frequent pruning, and activated carbon ( to prvent yellowing of the water and toxin buildup). I've been doing it in one display tank just fine.

 

[Krazy]

halmedia took over in my 90, I had to remove it all, now I have one florida rock which it continues to grow on after I prune and prune again, LOL

 

[Cristi]

My tank has been running for a year now and it has several types of macro algaes in it--sargassum, halimeda, chateo, and a couple different types of caulerpa. Nothing takes over as long as you keep it pruned. It does take a little more work by having to prune, but if you like the look of some macros in the tank, it is worth it. And, of course, it helps with the take up of excess nutrients.

 

[sunfishh]

Cristi can we see a pic of your tank?

 

[CWebHokie]

i Have a halimeda rock that really sets off my display and have had both chaeto and caulerpa in my displays before...
The caulerpa was a PITA, it grows too fast and grabs on to rocks...
The chaeto, not so bad... It grows fast but doesn't attach to things, at least not in my experience... The halimeda has been awesome, it just showed up one day and I like the texture, its been there ever since. It grows fairly slow. Just my 2 cents... Hope it helps.