propogatin halimeda

how does one go about propogating halimeda? i just wanted to know since im on a fraggin spree with my macro algae at the moment (if thats possible lol) so i made a red gracilaria forest and was wondering how to propogate the halimeda. thanks

 

That's exactly right. They don't really like to be pruned like other macroalgaes. However, if you get some of the holdfasts when pulling from the base, it should do well.

 

Exactly, I have it in my tanks and if you want to start it in another place, search for separate stem and gently pull it up making sure you don't tear away the roots. I was told it is better not to bury deep in the substrate but rather lay the root on top and just put enough substrate on top to hold it in place until it anchors itself.
Mine grew so well in the 55 gal. I ended up removing half of it and I do prune as it grows high enough to grow around the power heads.

 

so i can take one whole branch off?

 

Yes, you want a whole branch including the holdfasts at the base

 

what is the holdfast?

 

Looks like little roots at the base. If it's on a rock, it will be attached to the rock. If it's buried in the sand, it will be under the sand.

 

so i need a piece of that, or the whole thing?

 

You want to pull the whole plant up from the base. Some of the holdfasts will stay on the rock, but some will come with the plant. You don't need all of them.