need a recommendation..

[JmLee]

Hello every one!. Can any one recommend a marine plant or algae for my 29 gallon mantis tank?. I think the only problem i may run into is my lighting. It is a 36watt T5 fixture. I am looking to put more " green " into the tank scheme. Thanks!.

 

[graveyardworm]

What other livestock is in the tank, and do you have a sand bed if so how deep?

 

[JmLee]

i have a 2 1/2 - 3inch sand bed. The top layer is Crushed coral and shells and the bottom layer is aragonite sand. The only thing in there is my peacock mantis, a Kenya tree coral, some zoos and a colony of GSP.

 

[JmLee]

any body????.

 

[graveyardworm]

Are you looking for it to be on the sand bed, would you be concerned if it was a little invasive? I think something like caulerpa prolifera would look good and would help reduce excess nutrients as its a relatively fast grower, however if it gets onto the rocks and someday you want it gone it can be a pain in the butt. Then there's always the chance it may go sexual, but that generally only occurs when nutrient levels get low which shouldnt be a problem in a mantis tank. You could also try some of the calcearous algae like halimeda, shaving brush, or mermaids fan. These however do require that you maintain calcium alk and magnesium for good health/growth.

Back to the caulerpa just noticed you're in CA, I'm not sure if all caulerpas are banned there, but I know some are so this might be out.

 

[graveyardworm]

Im having second thoughts on the calcearous algae as these may require low phosphate levels for good growth so hopefully someone else will weigh in on this, I dont have personal experience with these myself.

 

[graveyardworm]

Basically what you're left with might be codium, sargassum, cheato, and gracillaria. These are some of the more commonly available ones. Then there's always the seagrasses these can also be a bit demanding, but may do well in your tank, your lighting should be sufficient, the sand bed is too shallow for thallasia, but halodule or halophila should do alright.

 

[JmLee]

well i considered mermaids brush. And ive had Halimeda in my reef tank. But both require alot of calcium and sufficent lighting, which i dont have on this tank. Its more of a aquascaping issue then a nutrient export issue. Also my mantis tank is very well maintained. I do
a 5 gallon water change on a 29 gallon every 2 weeks and i only use RO water. I also try not to over feed. Thanks for taking the time helping me out dude. I hope some one else chimes in.