Recommendation on types of algaes/grasses for SH set-up

[FishGuy5]

What do you all recommend for me of the different types of algaes/grasses to put in my seahorse display? It will be going in a custom 50 gallon T species only tank. I'd like the algae to be one of the more hardy, fast growing, good for the ponies, and aestethically (sp.?) nice for the display. I am using tonga branch rock and black sand. TIA

 

[TamiW]

Do you know what kind of lighting you intend to have on the tank? That's probably going to determine what you can keep more than anything.

Caulerpa is probably going to be the easiest, though you may have to prune occasionally (or frequently, depending). It does however run the risk of "going sexual" and causing water quality issues.

 

[rubberguard]

I have a bunch of halimeda in my tank and the seahorses seem to love it, plus it grows at a pretty good rate.

 

[namxas]

C. prolifera is a good species, esp. if you want to do a "mock seagrass" bed. it grows well, doesn't have the same light or substrate requirements of true seagrasses, and i've never had prolifera go sexual. it's also legal in CA.

if you want some color, get a stand of Botryiocladia (red grape) going. it's not a Caulerpa sp., so it doesn't go sexual, and loves low lighting (keeps it bright red).

check out John Maloney's site (reefcleaners.org)...he's really knowledgeable, and always has good stuff in stock and great service.

 

[FishGuy5]

I'll be using CF lighting.

 

[ladybug5234]

As stated above, red grape and caleurpa prolifera are great macros for seahorse tanks. John Maloney at reefcleaners is awesome at what he does and will bend over backwards to help you get the right macros for your tank.

 

[pledosophy]

Sargassum is pretty dope.

 

[namxas]

dood...where's my sargassum cutting?