Macro Algae

I'm cycling a 10 gallon small tank that I plan on having some corals in it...what type IDK yet...but those seem to be easy to find out information on. However, one thing I can't seem to find much about is Macro Algae with clown fish. I'm just wondering what ones you have all used in your tank that doesn't spread everywhere? I also figured I could put it in before it's done cycling to see how it affects the nitrates.

Also if there is a site that has a lot of information let me know.

 

that is a pretty small tank to try on

 

I figured I could keep just a little in the back side of it...but with a 10-20% weekly water change maybe nitrates won't be an issue...figured if I could put a little and then do water change every other week or 8 or 9 days instead of 7 that would be nice.

 

In a 10 gal, you'll want to get something that grows slowly. For instance, Caulerpa racemosa (green grape Caulerpa) or C. taxifolia (feather Caulerpa) or their variants will go nuts on you growth-wise. This is good for nutrient transport, but you need to prune them pretty much constantly, and freeze the prunings for 24 hours before you toss them to be sure they're dead.

You might try something slower-growing like Halimeda, C. serrulata (razor Caulerpa), C. cupressoides, or Botryocladia (red grape).

 

10 gallons for clowns is a little harsh IMO. this said if you plan to set up a small system with corals inside then i believe theoretically that could work but i fail to see the need of macros in such a small system...especially if youre not going to keep a livestock.

even if you were to keep a couple clowns in there (again thing i would personally not do) a weekly water change should largely suffice to control your nitrates. keep in mind water changes will have to be done regardless in order to maintain a decent level of trace elements for your corals to grow and prosper.

if you're planning to keep softies only then thats a whole different ball game all together