Having trouble keeping macros

I have been having a issue keeping my macros in the refugium. Not sure if it is that I don't have alot of water flow or not enough lighting or what. I have a 50W grow light from Homedepot, not sure if it is strong enough. Any suggestions?

Thanks
rj

 

I think you need something stronger. What K rating is the bulb? I'm guessing 5500K-6700K? You can try 10K T5 HO's and going a bit higher on the wattage. Going anything lower might stimulate pest algal growth. You can also try dosing Iron in the fuge to help feed the Macro algaes.

What type of macro algae do you have in the fuge?

 

How old is the tank that you're keeping macro in?

 

How big is the fuge? Im wandering if 50w is to much.. I have a 10 gallon with 15 watt bulb and it grows like crazy... Also get a bulb rated for macro growth.I think around 6500 is perfect...I think you are burning it up

 

Do you think the algae is getting enough nutrients. I have been overfeeding my fish and the macro has been growing like crazy. PH stays at 8.3 day and night, nitrates 0, phosphates 0, micro algae/non-existant. I have a 28wt 50/50 over the macroalgae in a 5.5 refugium. Shortly before I did the refugium the macro was in the display and did the same growth rate, too fast. I cull out a bit everyday.
I could be wrong, but I thought I should actually be feeding my macro. Since this pic I moved the macro right under the overflow to the refug and it is growing like mad. I have an 80gph micro PH in the refuge to keep water movement. Good luck.

 

If your growing cheatomorpha, it needs good water movement and good lighting. I use a 24w powercompact 10K in my 30g refuge. Also, how old are your bulbs? You might want to switch to 6700k or slightly higher.