Nemastoma sp. care

scuba guy ron

New member
I was fossil diving in venice florida and grabbed a piece of red Nemastoma sp. that went floating by. I took it home and superglued it to a small rock. I'm having a difficult time finding any care instructions on it. anybody have any info?

here is what it looks like.



scinaia_huismanii_Vroom1.jpg
 
It's pretty straightforward; basically, it's a plant. It does photosynthesis, so it needs light, carbon (in this case alkalinity), macronutrients (Nitrate, Potassium, and Phosphorous), and micronutrients.

If you have a very low nutrient reef tank, it may grow slower than it would in a more nutrient rich tank, but it should grow comfortably assuming you're feeding your fish well. If it gets extremely large, it's possible that it could get nutrient limited by one of the three macronutrients or possibly a micronutrient (Iron is a common one to look at in marine plants). In that case, fertilizing might be a good idea for the algae, but most reef keepers get nervous at the idea of adding nitrate or phosphate into their reef. I think you're a long way away from that, so don't worry to much about it.

Also, herbivorous fish and invertebrates might eat it, so weigh those options before adding herbivorous blennies or crabs/snails.

Honestly, in my experience most red algae is pretty durable in a reef once it survives the move. Just put it in a spot where it can't spread too quickly throughout the rock work, and continue to test your water for nitrate and phosphate like you should. It should stay viable for a long time. Good luck with it- it's a cool find.
 
the globular algae tend to do not have high nutrient demands. they are particularly difficult to care for, yours looks awesome Scuba Guy Ron. What is your secret?
 
the globular algae tend to do not have high nutrient demands. they are particularly difficult to care for, yours looks awesome Scuba Guy Ron. What is your secret?


I just try to keep my nutrients in my tank as low as possible, I do 10g water changes ev other week. I also try to change my bulbs ev 6-8 mos. The actinics on the tank are purely for asthetics. That being said, they havent been changed in over 3 yrs.
 
macro id

macro id

Thats not Nemastoma you have, its actually called Halymenia Elongata. Its native to the Gulf of Mexico and grows quite large attached to hard bottom in fairly deep water. Like most halymenia it needs good current and moderate lighting. It's very hardy, I have plenty growing on aquacultured liverock from the Gulf.
 
Thats not Nemastoma you have, its actually called Halymenia Elongata. Its native to the Gulf of Mexico and grows quite large attached to hard bottom in fairly deep water. Like most halymenia it needs good current and moderate lighting. It's very hardy, I have plenty growing on aquacultured liverock from the Gulf.

who are you responding to? there are 3 different algaes being discussed here.
 
saw this old thread, figured I would try and post a pic of nemastoma sp under leds, I really cant capture the image that well on a phone the edges are flaming and similar to a flame scallop. I am not a macro guy but this is a cool one except it is a favorite food for crabs, snails and tangs
 
Back
Top