Tank Transfer Method - Macro Algae

[mattsilvester]

Hi All,

I want to introduce some macro algae to my system, in the sump. I'm paranoid about introducing ich along with it.

Does / can ich stick to macro algae? If I spend a while vigorously rinsing it (salt water), then let it sit for 24 hours in an aerated bucket, and then rinse again - should it be safe enough?

Thanks,

Matt

 

[Mrscribbled]

I've read numerous account were someone introduced macro to their system and introduced ich. The only real certain guarantee is to have/buy it were no fish are present for 12 weeks or from a trusted system.

 

[FishN00b83]

If it's questionable that the macro was in a tank with ich, I wouldn't put it in. I don't believe swooshing it around some water would do any good, at least I wouldn't risk it. just get a small ball from someone you know or get some online from reefcleaners or some other site.

 

[mattsilvester]

Thanks guys. So it's a risk then :-(

Here in Thailand there are no such online stores specialising in macro etc.
Similarly, whilst there is a good choice of livestock, everything is thrown in together - so getting it from a store that has kept macro in a fish free system for 12 weeks is not possible.
I have no "reef friends" as such, so cannot call on them :-(

Guess this will have to be done the hard way, or just take a risk from the most reliable source possible - albeit less than ideal.

 

[AtomicMonster]

I tell my customers when they buy live rock or Macro algae from me that though no pests are visible to the eye doesn't guarantee that they are not there. With seeded live rock from the ocean spores of any kind can lay dormant for years.

 

[Deinonych]

Also, tank transfer only works with fish. It won't work with inverts or macro.