Macroalgae During Cycling

[Random Aquarist]

Well, I'd like to get some Chlorodesmis growing ASAP, but currently my tank is cycling. Could I add it now? If not, why?

 

[lancer99]

IME it's not a good idea to have your lights on during cycling, unless there's something on the rock (corals etc.) that absolutely requires it. Personally I would wait until after the tank has cycled.

Cool algae BTW.

-R

 

[reefgrief]

Cycling is to establish bacterial nirite reduction to nitrates.. ( which plants can use ) I am not familiar with the tolerance of Chlorodesma with nitrites, but even if they can directly absorb and incorporate nitrites as some bacteria can, use of light will encourage other algae which can, such as the "slime" algaes ( red, and blue-greens" and in my opinion, you do not want them in the tank .

I have to agree with Lancer99, wait out the cycling, and get your coraline algae in the tank first ? If you intend use of cholordesma as a phytoplankton, why not grow them in a 2nd regugium. ??? and trickle feed them to your coral. ??