Macro Algae

Hi All,

I've been reading a bit about macro algae online and the importance of it for a marine aquarium. Curious as to what you all think about it? I'm wondering if I should get some...

Thanks!!

 

I recently build a sump with a refugium area to put macro in. If you don't have a refugium, look for kinds of macro that won't spread like weeds. As I'm sure you have read, macro helps remove excess nutients that can lead to other forms of algae that is not so desirable in the display.

 

Yeah, I was thinking about getting some because it will use up the excess nutrients that the other algae need to feed on. Even though I do a 10% water change once a week, my nitrates are kind of high (20ppm) and are feeding algae. But I'm worried about totally eradicating algae, because my scarlet hermits and snails need to eat it...

 

I'm starting to think it is near impossible to totally erradicate all the algae. I have been trying everything!

 

if you have a sump or fuge and want to lower nitrates i would go with mangroves..my nitrate was steady at 30 for the longest time and i couldn't get it down..but i added 5 mangroves and only a few weeks later they are down to 10-15 without changing anything else

just a thought..macro's would work well also

edit: lowering your nitrates won't completely eradicate your algae IME..it will just stop the spreading of it..

 

Hahaha I believe it! I think I'll try some. It is pretty, and if it will help, then it's all good.

 

I'll do some internet research on mangroves. I didn't know you could keep them small enough for aquariums. Sounds like a miracle plant! Thanks a lot for the advice!

 

they have helped out a lot for me..and they don't requite much at all..i just have mine stuck in my sump with no substrate under a standard 15W Plant bulb for a 10g tank and all but one are beginning to grow leaves and have put out a ton of roots

 

Did you get the plant at your local fish store? I had no idea you could grow those in a home aquarium. I thought they got ginormous! They are sure neat looking. I'm Googling mangrove right now!

 

I ordered mine from reefcleaners.org. they're extremely cheap! They won't turn into trees in your sump..don't worry! You can prune them if they do start to take up too much room though i think