Shaving Brush (Penicillus)

[vvc10]

Hi everyone,

I am planning to add a shaving brush to my nano-reef. I've been doing some research and I've been getting mixed results on ease of care/lighting requirements.

I would just like to know what you guys think of this saltwater plant and any tips you would have for me.

Thank you in advance.

 

[vvc10]

I'm hoping this thread will also become an informative thread for others with questions about this marcoalgae too.

i just would like to know anyone's experiences with this plant and any tips they would have.

 

[GACDIVER]

I kept one under a LOA 65 Watt light. It never really grew much before it started to die off.

I had a lot of C. Taxifolia and C. racemosa in with it as well. I used Southdown sand for a substrate, but it was a fairly new refugium so I dont think the sediments were that rich yet. That was my main hypothysis as to its demise.
Any other thoughts out there?
I would really like to know about there care requiremets as well.

Sean

 

[DaveG99]

Well I got one in the keys acouple days ago. I have no idea what it needs as far as light but I ordered a 260watt PC setup for my 50gallon a couple days ago. Hopefully thats enough light to make it grow. I will let you know how it does.

 

[DesertBandits]

mine died even under alot of PC. Probably needed 6500k light on it

 

[skippy2]

I had 1 at the bottom of the tank. Lights are 250w 20k. The first couple of weeks it looked like it was getting some bushier. Today I see something ate it. At least the whole head is gone.

 

[Puffdragon]

I have 3 in my 65 gall horse tank. 288 watt pc lighting, 2 10k, 1
attnic bulb, actted like it was going to die off, then new shoots
came up. My biggest problem now is keeping the other macros from ovegrowing it. But is doing well now.

 

[DaveG99]

Update: Well its been 2 weeks since I put it in the tank. So far it looks good. My helimedia (sp) is growing even under the 30watts of crappy light I have. It has sprouted leaves on the top of a lot of the old leaves. I should have my 260watt PC set up here today.

 

[graveyardworm]

From what I've read it's normal for it to die back when it's first introduced, I also notice people adding to help reduce phosphates, which doesnt make much sense cause it's a calcifying algae, and to the best of my knowledge the presence of phosphate inhibits calcification ( atleast in corals ) so maintaining low phosphate and atleast NSW levels of Ca, Alk, and Mg would be important.