Pros/cons on growing macroin display tank

[cato]

Was thinking about growing some macro in the back corner of my display tank behind the rock work to absorb excess nutrients. Currently don't have a sump/fuge or a place to put one at the moment.
Anyone else do this?
What are your thoughts and would it work?

 

[bertoni]

You can do that. I do it, but choose a macro like Chaetomorpha that doesn't attach to rock. You might not like the looks, and any fish like tangs that eat algae, might prevent any positive effects.

 

[cato]

Yeah, I do have a tang. Hmmmmm, could it be put in something that would let it grow but not let it be dinner for my tang and any ideas?

 

[AllenFord_SC]

Eggcrate, but it's unattractive. Perhaps build an eggcrate box using zip ties and mount it in the upper rear corner of the tank. Try and provide flow over or under the Chaeto to give a tumbling effect. (like a tumbleweed) This promotes a healthier algae. Plus the tang could just nip little bits that get caught in the eggcrate, keeping it moving.

 

[piranhaking]

over time i would thing the eggcrate would be covered in coraline algae, but untill then it would be a little but unattractive. mabey you could find a piece of acrylic and drill a bunch of holes in it and use it in the same way. By being clear it wouldnt show up as much in the tank.