macro algae and light

[jhale]

I'm looking for macro algae to place in my soon to be sump fuge chamber.
There will be a 6" sand bed so the algae will have a place to anchor itself if needed. The flow will be decent in this chamber so the algae has to be the type that will not fall apart so cheato is out.

I also need a light to grow the algae, it will be placed over an area where the water dumps into the sump, there is a lot of spray so the light has to be water proof.

thanks

- J

 

[Deanos]

Flow would not affect chaetomorpha. In fact, it's recommended by several sites to keep it tumbling.

Here's one: LiveAquaria

 

[Domboski]

jhale, New World Aquarium sells Coralife Refugium lights (I have two). They work great and only cost about $75. I think that is a good deal. I haven't seen this type of light anywhere (but I haven't really looked either). Here is a picture of the light: http://www.aquacave.com/detail.aspx?ID=933

I thought Chaeto only fell apart when it was dying? I just started using something called shaving brush plant (http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?pCatId=1478) It is cheap so I thought I would try it. I also use Halimeda plant. http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?pCatId=656 This stuff grows like a weed!

 

[jf2381]

Jon I use the homedepot track lights. I spent like 20 for a 3 bulb fixture. My macroalgae grow like crazy under these lights.

 

[jhale]

thanks guys, I just ordered two of the bulbs melev recomends,

http://www.lightbulbsdirect.com/page/001/PROD/Reflectors/1P381951

now i need the macro. I guess I had a bad experience with cheato once.

 

[LeslieS]

JH, my cheato is constantly being tumbled has not fallen apart. I also have the shaving brush things which look really cool, but with as much flow as you have you need to really cover the sand which I don't think those will do. If not the cheato, try toadstool algae. It grows in a really dense mat along the top of the sand - like crab grass but short.

 

[Deanos]

From what I've read, Shaving Brush & Halimeda are better used for decorative purposes. Halimeda doesn't even like higher nitrate/phosphate conditions and uses valuable calcium to build its structure :irked:

More options: Algae

 

[jhale]

i have the two tank drains emptying in the section that the algae is going in, it might be a bit too much for the cheato. I can make a partition with eggcrate so the cheato can float in a corner.

 

[Domboski]

I can give you a handful of Chaeto if you want to try it again or at least use it until you find something else. I will be taking some out of the tank on Friday and can drop off a handful to you Saturday morning. LMK

I am also going to try and order some toadstool algae. Let me know if you want me to order extra.

 

[jhale]

TY for the article Dean.

Calfo recomends Ogo a type of seaweed used in seaweed salads.

would you eat something that was grown in your fish tank?

 

[jhale]

I can give you a handful of Chaeto if you want to try it again or at least use it until you find something else. I will be taking some out of the tank on Friday and can drop off a handful to you Saturday morning.

if I'm here on saturday that sounds great. I'll let you know what my schedule is, thanks!

 

[Domboski]

try toadstool algae. It grows in a really dense mat along the top of the sand - like crab grass but short.

LeslieS, do you know where to get toadstool alge? My internet search skills stink today

 

[vanceny]

There will be a 6" sand bed so the algae will have a place to anchor itself if needed.

- J

Just a thought about the 6" sandbed, have been considering using 2 containers that would sit in the fuge area filled with the sand. Then after about a year I could remove 1 container and replace the sand leaving the other container to reseed the new bed. This way you don't have to replace the entire fuge with new sand and risk a cycle. Or just do a rdsb and no sand in the fuge at all. Have not incorporated this yet but was kicking around the idea.

something like this:

 

[jawwad2004]

John I have some grape caulerpa if you want to take the risk, lol.

 

[jawwad2004]

John, If you didnt order from that site that Melev recommend yet, let me know because I would like one as well. I can paypal you the money right now. Sendin you a pm.

 

[scarf_ace1981]

red grape does not attach to rocks. i go some from wing and it has never attached. the green stuff on the other hand does attach.

 

[Aqua Pro Builder]

I am also going to try and order some toadstool algae. Let me know if you want me to order extra.

I trade you some toadstoool algae if you have shaving brush algae.


PM me

 

[Aqua Pro Builder]

J,

if you are couragious enough, I have almost all kinds of algae you may need including local ones all for FREE except red grade since my fish ate almost all of them-I have red branchs but no grapes on them.:bablefish :tongue1: :tongue1: :tongue1: :bablefish

 

[scarf_ace1981]

jonathan i also have this macro:

funny thing is that it attaches only to my red grape. doesn't attach to my rocks and grows pretty fast.

as for lighting a simple reptile type light w/ the cone refelctor and one of those lights you mentioned will be sufficient to grow macro in the sump

 

[jhale]

cool I'll take it all except calupera