want to add some macro algae to tank

here are picture of it the kelp goes down the back of the rock and the maiden grass i want to add more of on the other side of the tank. hope the pictures help a bit, so you can see what they look like in a tank

 

AWESOME TANK!!!! is the green the maidens grasS? how do you keep it from getting on all the rock?

 

thanks ...yes the green is the maiden grass it seems to be staying put on the rocks its on, its clumping and doesnt seem to spread much i bought three pieces i noticed each one had a small green crab living in each them. the three came from liveaquaria as did the kelp. if you buy from liveaquaria its best to wait till they have the large clump in stock. you get more for your money i bought one small and boy was it small. the large would have made 6 of the small. the large sells out fast it seems. i want one more clump im waiting on the large to come back in stock.
the crab in there is cute he pops his head out from time to time. he is a soft lime green. im guessing he cleans the grass. one of the sexy shrimp was on the grass and he didnt mess with it. 2 i threw in the fug but i will leave this one. since i think its ok.

 

I bought maiden's hair twice in the past, both times there was a little green crab in there. Unfortunately, the algae didn't last long, and it was really sad to see them trying to hang out in what was left. Not sure how happy they'd be without the algae to live in, as mine didn't live long after it was gone.

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This was the most saddening pic, not enough to even hide in.
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yes thats the crab!!!!!!
maybe your lights weren't enough for the maiden hair? what lights do you have? i have halide. 150 w 14 inches deep tank maiden hair is about 9 inches from water surface, i read that even the kelp is hard to keep, it needs higher lights.

 

I had MH in that tank.

 

Do you have any type of hermits? Emerald crabs? Tangs or other herbivorous fish? If so they eat any of the soft, rubbery, grassy type macros but will leave the calcifying plants like Mermaid's fan and other halimedia's alone.

 

how long did it take for it to disappear? mine had a time were it lost a lot and than came back healthy as you see it now. i figured it was shipping stress since it bounced back well.

 

Was thinking maybe it would be good to buy algae sheets to feed the crabs as a supplemental feeding? Maybe they are eating the maiden hair? I just noticed another of the little green crabs in there.

 

that is so friggin cool. I definately want to pick up some of that stuff. Currently i run a 150W MH 14k phoenix bulb about 8 inch from surface of water with a tank thats 16' high, think i should have any issues with any type of macro? Im considering supplementing with some LED's in a few months or upgrading lighting once i get a job.