setting up a macro display

[Mccoolx22]

first timer here, have been doing some research :uhoh2: don't want anything that will go sexual on me. looking for some colorful stuff. Any recommendations or tips would be great!

 

[JLynn]

The species which are infamous for "going sexual" are in the genus Caulerpa. While some Caulerpas, like Caulerpa Ashmeaddii, are highly unlikely to do so, you might want to avoid Caulerpas in general. That said, there are plenty of other colorful macro algae. Dragon's Breath macro algae, ORA Blue Hypnea, Blue Ochtodes, Codium Lucassi, Gracilaria Sp., and Halymenia Sp., to name a few, are all very colorful. For info on many different types of macro algae, check out marineplantbook.com. Gulf Coast Ecosystems and LA Reefs have the broadest variety of macro algae for sale, so you should look at their stock to get an idea of what you might like, too.

 

[Mccoolx22]

The species which are infamous for "going sexual" are in the genus Caulerpa. While some Caulerpas, like Caulerpa Ashmeaddii, are highly unlikely to do so, you might want to avoid Caulerpas in general. That said, there are plenty of other colorful macro algae. Dragon's Breath macro algae, ORA Blue Hypnea, Blue Ochtodes, Codium Lucassi, Gracilaria Sp., and Halymenia Sp., to name a few, are all very colorful. For info on many different types of macro algae, check out marineplantbook.com. Gulf Coast Ecosystems and LA Reefs have the broadest variety of macro algae for sale, so you should look at their stock to get an idea of what you might like, too.

Thanks for the reply, I have looked at Gulf Coast Ecosystems, I'll have to check out LA, I heard they're good but small portions, I wouldn't mind that as I like stuff small to watch it grow out. My problem is I'm in MA so it's cold here, was a little worried about survival during shipping so I contacted them asking if they had a good survival ratio, waiting for a reply.

Caulerpa is out for sure I do know that much

from the list of what's in stock I did like

GALAXAURA SP

Purple Ribbon

BOTRYOCLADIA SP

Corky Finger

PURPLE CANDELABRA GORGONIAN

ORANGE SEA ROD GORGONIAN

I'm thinking I want a patch reef type set up, is that the best way to run a macro display

 

[enchelycore808]

In regards to the best way, I'd say it depends on species. They all have different requirements regarding lighting, flow etc. I would see what species I'd be interested in and research their needs to see if they would flourish in my setup. That being said however, most are very adaptable.

 

[Innovation]

I do have to say one good thing for caulerpa, it's great for nutrient exportation. As long as you keep it trimmed, and regularly trim it too, it most likely won't go sexual! One of the lowest-risk species I've found is Caulerpa prolifera. It has a similar appearance to seagrass, but needs less light and is far easier to keep. If you're going to go for a dedicated display to macro's, put in the extra effort and money and go find some exotic macro's that are hard to find anywhere else! It'd be pretty cool to see more macro tanks, not too many are done.

 

[Mccoolx22]

. If you're going to go for a dedicated display to macro's, put in the extra effort and money and go find some exotic macro's that are hard to find anywhere else! It'd be pretty cool to see more macro tanks, not too many are done.

that's the plan! hoping the warmer weather get here soon so things are more available!

 

[Mccoolx22]

little update on the tank.
so far all the red macros are doing very well, my greens not so much but I haven't tried many I had ulva that was eaten and also codium that kinda just broke up, not sure if anyone ate it but I did salvage a small piece and move it to another tank
as far as the reds I can't recall the names I had pretty orange and red dragons breath that was delicious I guess.. and a few others that escape me at the moment. Blue ochtodes are doing well. I will snap a picture when my phone is charged in a few
also have another 8 or so coming later in the week. looking forward to that..

My question is this
I didn't like the look of my water with just powerheads so I got 2 2 little fishies reactors to clean it up some
I think the one running carbon will stay but the one running GFO is dulling my color and probably starving out the macros I'm only running about a quarter of what I'm supposed to be running (probably just about enough for 20 gallons)

Is anyone running reactors and if so what are you using for media?
I would like to run purigen if I can figure out a way to get the bag in there so it stays put in the reactor thanks for looking and any help is appreciated