MacroAlgae!

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MacroAlgae!
Topic Started: Nov 29 2009, 06:54:09 PM (93 Views)
Post #1 Nov 29 2009, 06:54:09 PM	Suzy
OK, Guys! Everyone who knows me know I love algae! I really like planted tanks the best. In fact, a planted tank is the only tank in Utah to win tank of the month on Reefs.org and made 2 calendar pages on FishGeeks! So, if anyone is unaware that I have read a lot of books about algae, and tons of research papers, you now know. I confess to being a true fish nerd! My favorite algae are the ones for display tanks, but the best algae have dual functions. An algae that removes nutrients from the water but also feeds our tangs and angels is highly desirable. I will add them in a bit. I want to start with one of my favorites: Caulerpa prolifera I think Caulerpas have received a bad reputation by those who do not understand it's growth pattern. Really, it's bad rep is because it does it's job too well! Caulerpas can really suck nutrients (nitrate and phosphate) out of the water. But, when those nutrients are gone, the algae will die and release the nutrients and other toxins back into the water. But, in my experience, this is only bad if we have let the algae grow too big! It grows in one long strand, it is one cell. I let mine grow about 10 inches or so, then pinch it off. Then, if one strand "goes sexual", it is not a big deal because all the other strands reabsorb the nutrients. I can easily tell then my nitrate is low and harvest some algae out of the system. I really think this spp is worth the effort. A common alga, but the way it moves in the water column is just like a gorgeous seagrass. I am going to let this grow in the front of my display, and have the viewer look through it. A way to add depth to the tank.... Posted Image $10	Seahorse Whisperer Posts: 3,036 Group: Admin Member #1 Joined: June 28, 2008
"i was informed of some dolphin related testing going on up there" Too Funny!


Post #2 Nov 29 2009, 06:58:48 PM	Suzy
Botryocladia, a large genus with similar textured algae. This genus can make a good accent, background or fore ground plant. One of my favorites and readily accepted by herbivorious fish. Posted Image	Seahorse Whisperer Posts: 3,036 Group: Admin Member #1 Joined: June 28, 2008
"i was informed of some dolphin related testing going on up there" Too Funny!


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