MacroAlgae in DT?

[kenman345]

I can use some advice from people.

I have 2 algae scrubbers and just recently got a new light fixture which has since caused my tank to break out in Green Hair Algae. It's a FOWLR 56G. I have decent amounts of algae from the scrubbers and do 8% water changes weekly, for about 3-4 months now. My readings are all low/expected through this time.

I was thinking about an anemone, which my water parameters seem fine but the Green Hair Algae is quite the pain. I was wondering if I might be able to curb some of its growth by adding a macroalgae or two that would also be able to feed my fish. I have 2 clownfish, 2 firefish, a PJ CArdinal and 1 Flame Angel. If I never have to trim the Macroalgae, but just protect the base, that would be ideal.

So, anyone have a recommendation as the the macroalgae(s) I may be able to get that would not need to tumble like chaeto does? I like planted tanks, so it may be fun to have one.

I do not have a sump, so the DT is the only place to put it. Also, I am using the new (Beta) MC-Series from BuildMyLED. It's rated as a 20,000K spectrum lighting fixture. It should be plenty for my small tank. Obviously since I want an anemone it should match the lighting needs of an anemone so they can coexist together in the tank.

Thanks for the help

 

[mpekoske]

it may be difficult to keep the Marco alive with 2 algae scrubbers going... have you tried to reduce your feedings to help rid the GHA?

 

[kenman345]

it may be difficult to keep the Marco alive with 2 algae scrubbers going... have you tried to reduce your feedings to help rid the GHA?

Well, I have only increased my feedings recently to account for the flame angel joining the tank. The algae bloom coincides with the time i went from no lights to my new lighting fixture.

If the GHA is competing with the scrubbers and winning, then why not some desireable macro? Worst that can happen is it doesnt do well and i sell it to someone in the area, right? Also, my firefish seem to be fighting a lot and my angel with the clownfish. I think adding something they can eat and/or play in might help diffuse the behaviors i have seen ramping up as of late.

I am soon switching over from IO Sea Salt to IO reef Salt to prepare for an anemone. I want that transition a few months ahead of the anemone to make sure all is well in the tank before the anemone comes into play.

 

[tektite]

The only fish you have that might possibly pick at some kinds of algae would be the angel, but even that's doubtful depending on species. The others won't see macroalgae as food. You could try adding some display macros, but most grow fairly slowly compared to more dedicated nutrient export algae like chaeto, and you would need a lot of it to do any appreciable amount of good.

 

[phobos2deimos]

You might try C. Serrulata or C. Brachypus. Serrulata grows slower (still quick though) and I haven't found it to be invasive since it stays to the substrate. Brachypus grows very quickly (faster than chaeto for me) but can be invasive in a reef since it sends runners and grows so fast. In a FOWLR that might be a plus, though - it may outcompete the GHA. Place it strategically over the GHA patches and it will do a better job of outcompeting for light and nutrients.

 

[ichthyogeek]

I like Caulerpa prolifera. It only grows on/in sand, and looks quite nice when it's thick, kind of like a stockier version of Vallisneria. There's also some type of Gracilaria algae in my tank, but it easily gets covered in what looks like cyanobacteria, and spreads like the plague on anything hard (filter covers, PVC, rock, etc.).

What are your tank params? Maybe you could consider upping the frequency/amount changed of your water changes?

Firefish naturally are territorial to their own species/genus. The only suggestion I can give, is to either take one out, or make sure there's adequate hiding spots for the loser. You never mentioned which species of clown you had...Do remember, that flame angels are deep water species that mostly graze on sponges, and not algae. Rearranging the live rock so that they're all scrambling to find the best spots would be ideal too (don't know where I heard this, but it works for dottybacks and any other fish).

 

[phobos2deimos]

I like Caulerpa prolifera. It only grows on/in sand, and looks quite nice when it's thick, kind of like a stockier version of Vallisneria. There's also some type of Gracilaria algae in my tank, but it easily gets covered in what looks like cyanobacteria, and spreads like the plague on anything hard (filter covers, PVC, rock, etc.).

What are your tank params? Maybe you could consider upping the frequency/amount changed of your water changes?

Firefish naturally are territorial to their own species/genus. The only suggestion I can give, is to either take one out, or make sure there's adequate hiding spots for the loser. You never mentioned which species of clown you had...Do remember, that flame angels are deep water species that mostly graze on sponges, and not algae. Rearranging the live rock so that they're all scrambling to find the best spots would be ideal too (don't know where I heard this, but it works for dottybacks and any other fish).

Agree totally. C. Prolifera is very nice as a macro, growth is decent and it's not at all frustrating to deal with. Also one of the more palatable macros so you can use it as a food source.