Macro algea for aquascaping and food for tangs

[angelface7217]

Usually you hear about algea that are bad....but what about the good algeas like different macros... my question today relates to different kinds of algeas that are used in the display tank for a more natural appearance? I know a reefer selling some of his red macro algea that goes in the display but he lives too far from me to go get it ....aside from the benefit of nitrate export. is there a kind that is not good to put in the dt b/c it takes over or has some other demand of the system....more importantly one that looks good in the dt? Im thinking of getting some red macro (Gracilaria). Since they eat it. I guess I could continue to grow it in the fug? for color and maybe food to tangs? Any opinions on this or preivous experiences? also looking at Codium the tall and short kind,and flame algea ..these are not supposedto be prolific to the pjoint of overrunning the tank but I dont know ......

k

[Salty O'Shen]

i don't have input for you, this is a question that i have also, thanks for starting this thread...

[aquawolf]

There is a thread on here somewhere that actually has pictures of a whole bunch of macroalgae tanks, along with names and pictures of the macros themselves.

Gracilaria is good, some forms of Caulerpa are good as well but if you do not have critters keeping it in check then you will have to prune it. My 40 and 54 gallon tanks each have feather caulerpa, halimeda, and chaetomorphia in the display.

I just saw some really cool looking macros on EBay today as well, and shipping is only $7. http://cgi.ebay.com/Fireball-Macro-A...d=p3911.c0.m14

[Fat Tony]

M, that's the kind of stuff I'm looking to put in my 29 Macro display I just setup a couple weeks ago. It has cleared up now and I still need to get some rock for it and build some type of rock lift setup (I still have some 3/8" acrylic and some 1/2" acrylic rod, so I need to build those in the next week or so before I go on vacation).. either way, That's a cool piece for sure, and it looks like it's a calcareous algae as well.

[aquawolf]

The description says it grows into golf ball size pieces, so you know where you can send one if you start getting too many. They also say that you can buy as many macros as you want, and combined shipping is still $7.

I am contemplating getting some different stuff for my 40 gallon, but I need to prune back the Xenia before I can add anything else.

[bb0029]

Originally Posted by aquawolf

.......

I just saw some really cool looking macros on EBay today as well, and shipping is only $7. http://cgi.ebay.com/Fireball-Macro-A...d=p3911.c0.m14

I bought some stuff from them awhile back and was satisfied. It was the red grape.

[Jadinop]

Great selection of macros here. I purchased some Gracilaria from them and was happy with it.
http://live-plants.com/

[angelface7217]

Originally Posted by aquawolf

There is a thread on here somewhere that actually has pictures of a whole bunch of macroalgae tanks, along with names and pictures of the macros themselves.

Gracilaria is good, some forms of Caulerpa are good as well but if you do not have critters keeping it in check then you will have to prune it. My 40 and 54 gallon tanks each have feather caulerpa, halimeda, and chaetomorphia in the display.

I just saw some really cool looking macros on EBay today as well, and shipping is only $7. http://cgi.ebay.com/Fireball-Macro-A...d=p3911.c0.m14

Thanks so much for the link! This topic excites me. I think it could look really cool in the tank, and benefit my fish at the same time. Its great! I tried to look for the link to a thread with other dt containing Macro but I only found two..one with like 3 pics and the other was closed....If anyone has any pictures of their tank with macro in it...I would love to see it and the varieties others are using in their tanks so I could get an idea... please!

[angelface7217]

Originally Posted by Jadinop

Great selection of macros here. I purchased some Gracilaria from them and was happy with it.
http://live-plants.com/

Thank you so much for this link too. These are great prices too. Can some one explain the statement .."This ____is asexual". Ive heard this before in regards to the growth cycle of plants and it over growing the refugium or tank. When I look at the websites for information on the plants they are selling....it doesnt mention this... can someone explain...

[angelface7217]

Originally Posted by Salty O'Shen

i don't have input for you, this is a question that i have also, thanks for starting this thread...

**High five Salty** I'm glad someone else is curious with me

[fihsboy]

live plants is a great company. I have ordered several algaes from them. They are very generous with what they send you. And the prices/shipping are great! They even have turtle grass and eel grass.

[3D-Reef]

I think this is thread your looking for.http://www.thereeftank.com/forums/f6...ub-129969.html
Halimeda is a good display tank algae that the tangs won't eat,but it needs alot/steady Ca.
C.prolifera is a caulerpa thats hardy,not likely to go sexual,and can look like a seagrass bed.But it will need pruning.

[angelface7217]

oh wow. THanks for the link 3D-reef! Yes these are the some of pics I was hoping to see... you know to get an idea of how to aquascape it...thanks!

k

[fihsboy]

I have always wanted to do a paddle and shoal grass tank with a wavemaker in it to let them sway. And just do pipefish and seahorse in the tank. That would be awesome.