Question on Harvesting Macro

[pennrj430]

Hey everyone, let me ask you something. I'm pretty new to Macro, and I threw a little handful of Cheto into my fuge a month ago, and it practically tripled in size. Now, I am looking to get a few different kinds of Macro in there as well to have nice diversity. My question is, I hear a lot of people talking about harvesting it, how do I know when to harvest it or what parts to harvest? I know that the macro traps, or eats nutrients that I don't want in my tank, so what do I look for when I am trimming it to get the bad stuff off? Or do I not look for anything, and just take half of it and throw it out? Thanks for your help.

 

[Acolin]

EcoSystemââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢s instructions for their constant-daylight, mud-based algae refugiums and my FAMA articles say that you should harvest the macro-algae when it reaches the top of the water. The algae retain nutrients and elements absorbed by the macro-algae growth. Harvesting the macro-algae promotes its growth, thereby promoting the uptake of nutrients. Much of the nutrient absorbed by the algae growth are nutrients that you want removed from your aquarium system. Harvesting the macro-algae removes excess nitrates and phosphates. Without harvesting, the nitrates are still in the macro-algae. They will NOT leach back into the system unless the algae dies or is consumed. Therefore, dead and floating braches should be removed and Tangs should NOT rely a diet of harvested algae from the constant-daylight, mud-based algae refugium. Instead, throw the harvested algae away or trade it to your local fish store.

 

[pennrj430]

So, what do you do? Just cut it out with scissors it is reaches the top of the water?

 

[Acolin]

I pinch with my fingers, but yes, i do have a pair of scissors