Macro Temp

micaheli · 06-12-2004, 02:28 AM

Okay, this is a pretty whackey question, but I was talking to my friend at work and he said that most algaes don't care what temperature the water is at. I was skeptical to believe, but to an extent that is probably true.

Here's the poop. I'm looking to propogate some macros in my garage. I have a bunch of tanks I have no use for and would like to use them to prop macros.. Perhaps have one tank a big fish-only system that is overfed and stuff.

Producing a huge amount of nitrates for the macroalgaes to feed on. Then just add light and bam, instant propogation.

Anyways, my garage gets cold.... as cold as the outside temp. My question is.. should I heat the water, or will the algae/pods/etc care... I'm sure the halogen lights and such will heat the water some.. but not enough to really make the difference.

Any ideas?

illcssd · 06-12-2004, 11:27 AM

i think that they can tolerate lower temps to a certain extent....but not lower than like 60 i would presume.....and the pods would be wiped out by that temp anyhoo

mousehole · 06-12-2004, 11:54 AM

I second that the pods would be wiped out, and you mentioned that it would be an overfed fish system, that means the fish would be wiped out also. Haven't tried just algea without heat, but I had a chunk of rock in a rubbermade with no heat, but light and circulation, and it became base rock during this winter. If you do try this I would be very interested to know how it works out, keep us posted.

micaheli · 06-12-2004, 09:13 PM

Cool.. Hearing that, I'll probably throw my fatty ebo on it.

One 250 should be enough to keep it decent during the winter... luckily its summer and it stays rather mild in the garage...

I have set up my tanks, just need to plumb, fill, and stock.

I'm using halogen shop lights for growth along with fluorescent NO lighting. We'll see what happens.

micaheli · 06-15-2004, 01:13 PM

Well, looks like I may be moving the whole operation outside atleast for the summer. That way I can use natural lighting.

but, if I move it inside, I can light it 24/7 and get some wicked growth. I'll probably throw a sandbed in there so I can get some diversity going as well.

Would anybody be interested in extremely healthy and diverse sand if I were to aquaculture some?

--Micah