how to grow macro algae?

DotAlbo · 07/25/2008, 07:42 AM

Sorry if this has been discussed before. What is macro algae and how do i grow macro algae?

serpentman · 07/25/2008, 08:06 AM

Macro is a complex algae (as apposed to diatom, etc) that is used to export nutrients and out compete less desirable nuisance algaes. Common species in aquaria are caulerpa and chaetomorpha. Growing is easy. All you have to do is dedicate an area to grow it such as a refugium or dedicated section of your sump. Macro grows well under a standard 6500K daylight compact flourescent bulb from Home Depot, etc.

You might want to google Refugiums to see more on how to set up.

snorvich · 07/25/2008, 08:40 AM

And I recommend not using Caulerpa. It can go asexual and is difficult to remove if you have a problem with it.

Aquarist007 · 07/25/2008, 08:44 AM

here is a thread that will really help you out

Refugiums and Macro Algae
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1349443

Aquarist007 · 07/25/2008, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by serpentman
Macro is a complex algae (as apposed to diatom, etc) that is used to export nutrients and out compete less desirable nuisance algaes. Common species in aquaria are caulerpa and chaetomorpha. Growing is easy. All you have to do is dedicate an area to grow it such as a refugium or dedicated section of your sump. Macro grows well under a standard 6500K daylight compact flourescent bulb from Home Depot, etc.

You might want to google Refugiums to see more on how to set up.

you might want to access my log book thread for more information on caulerpa going sexual--it is a real risk
and as serpentman states--go with chaeto

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...6#post13017166

DotAlbo · 07/25/2008, 10:41 AM

thank you guys for all the info.

DotAlbo · 07/25/2008, 11:32 PM

Hi Guys, one more question, how do i get chaetomorpha algae and once it grows in the sump or refugiums what do i do with it? just leave it in there? thanks,

kau_cinta_ku · 07/25/2008, 11:38 PM

you can check out the selling forums, or find a local club around you, they usually give the stuff away. when it grows to big tear it in half and toss in the garbage or give to someone else that is in need.

DotAlbo · 07/26/2008, 04:36 AM

ok thanks

SantaMonica · 07/27/2008, 09:29 PM

A new option, called a Turf Algae Filter, is one that does not go sexual and will not spread to your display, yet is more powerful (faster growing) than even caulerpa.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...6#post12931276

Aquarist007 · 07/27/2008, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DotAlbo
Hi Guys, one more question, how do i get chaetomorpha algae and once it grows in the sump or refugiums what do i do with it? just leave it in there? thanks,

once your chaeto starts to grow then you need to harvest at least half of what you have every week. By harvesting it you are removing the nitrates and phosphates from your water column that the chaeto absorbs.
The reason for harvesting it weekly is it stimulates more growth of the remaining chaeto More growth=less aglae

07/25/2008, 07:42 AM	#1
DotAlbo Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 135	how to grow macro algae? Sorry if this has been discussed before. What is macro algae and how do i grow macro algae?

07/25/2008, 08:06 AM	#2
serpentman part time superhero Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Deep in the Heart of the Snowbelt (NE OHIO) Posts: 5,698	Macro is a complex algae (as apposed to diatom, etc) that is used to export nutrients and out compete less desirable nuisance algaes. Common species in aquaria are caulerpa and chaetomorpha. Growing is easy. All you have to do is dedicate an area to grow it such as a refugium or dedicated section of your sump. Macro grows well under a standard 6500K daylight compact flourescent bulb from Home Depot, etc. You might want to google Refugiums to see more on how to set up. __________________ BS in Marine Bio ('96), First SW tank in 1992. Current Tank(s) 300g SPS with 90g frag tank and 40 anemone tank - decommissioned 46g LPS/Softy Cube 300g FOWLR under construction - decommissioned

07/25/2008, 08:40 AM	#3
snorvich Team RC member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Outlander Posts: 40,953 Blog Entries: 46	And I recommend not using Caulerpa. It can go asexual and is difficult to remove if you have a problem with it. __________________ Warmest regards, ~Steve~

07/25/2008, 08:44 AM	#4
Aquarist007 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Hamilton, Canada Posts: 28,240 Blog Entries: 1	here is a thread that will really help you out Refugiums and Macro Algae http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1349443 __________________ I prefer my substrates stirred but not shaken Current Tank Info: 150gal long mixed reef, 90gal sump, 60 gal refugium with 200 lbs live rock

07/27/2008, 09:29 PM	#10
SantaMonica Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Santa Monica, California, USA Posts: 2,511	A new option, called a Turf Algae Filter, is one that does not go sexual and will not spread to your display, yet is more powerful (faster growing) than even caulerpa. http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...6#post12931276 __________________ Inventor of the easy-to-DIY upflow scrubber, and also the waterfall scrubber that everyone loves to build: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1424843

07/25/2008, 10:41 AM	#6
DotAlbo Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 135	thank you guys for all the info.

07/25/2008, 11:32 PM	#7
DotAlbo Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 135	Hi Guys, one more question, how do i get chaetomorpha algae and once it grows in the sump or refugiums what do i do with it? just leave it in there? thanks,

07/25/2008, 11:38 PM	#8
kau_cinta_ku Moved On Join Date: May 2005 Location: NW Iowa Posts: 8,669	you can check out the selling forums, or find a local club around you, they usually give the stuff away. when it grows to big tear it in half and toss in the garbage or give to someone else that is in need.

07/26/2008, 04:36 AM	#9
DotAlbo Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 135	ok thanks