Tropical Kelp

[graham76]

I recently set up my tank again (40 breeder) and wanted to turn it into a macro algae tank... About 3 years ago I had it set up and a friend gave me a 6"- 8" piece of tropical kelp that was growing on a rock.... My lighting wasn't that good so it died quickly.

I was wondering if anyone has heard of this warm water kelp... I'm sure it doesn't get anywhere as big as the stuff of the CA coast but I still like to look.... Where can I get some more? What type of lighting do you think would be the best to keep it alive!

Thanks for the help.

Graham

 

[piercho]

Sagassum is kelp-like. It is a brown algae and is bouyant. It grows attached to rock but will float if unattached. It can grow large, I've had pieces growing almost 2' tall in my tank. Some varieties can taller in the wild. It sometimes shows up on new live rock. It can be purchased from Inland Aquatics. I give it away for free to PSAS members but sorry, I won't ship.

 

[ADHybrid]

I actually have the tropical Red Kelp. You are very right, it grows SLOW . If it grew faster I would certainly frag you a piece. If anyone knows how to make this grow faster (I'm already adding excess nutrients and iron suplements) I'd be more than willing to share this beautifull algae. For example, what type of lighting it would need? I've been told two conflicting stories, 1. that it needs light in the red spectrum cuz its red and 2. The algae is red so it reflects red light meaning it would need light more in the blue spectrum. As soon as I get this guy to grow for me, I'd be more than willing to frag it.


-Chris

 

[eums]

i have some of the sagassum, it came on my lie rock and did not know what it was till i saw this post, its exactly how he discriped it. it looks nice in a reef also. but it dose have noticable growth and will need to be cut back maybe every 4 to 6 months ? as of right no i rip the stuff out and throw it away, maybe i should start selling it to a lfs.