Saltwater plants

[SWFirstTimer]

I am sure I will have a lot of questions for you...so bear with me.
We would like to add some vegetation into our 33 gallong long tank and copepods. In doing some reading I am leaning towards finding 1 or 2 mangroves and also some caulerpa. I know I can add the mangroves into the tank directly...and believe if I can ever find caulerpa can add that in directly also. Is this true? I have called all the lfs within an hour drive and have been usuccessful finding caulerpa. I can order some...but was hoping to find local if I could. Anyone know of a place in southern MN where I might find some?

I have also been looking for pods, which I finally found OceanDevotion in Burnsville, so plan on getting some this weekend when we are up there. Any thing I have to be aware of when adding to tank. The only thing I found was to add when lights are off at night to reduce the number that are immediately eaten by the fish.

Thanks!

[Jnicho]

I would not suggest adding caulerpa directly to a display tank, but rather in a fuge setup...Even with the best plans to keep it pruned it can very easily take over a tank and be very hard to get rid of. I've heard of people keeping halimeda in a display (I have some in my fuge and it grows pretty darn fast too) with fewer problems. Most macro algae (aka SW plants) will grow out of control very quickly, and once they get on your LR they can be very hard to get rid of.

[oyam123]

I can give you a mangrove if you like.
I also have a nice weed that grows on your LR (I like it).

[mjsandbe]

Mangroves are pretty cool, they would be a good choice if you have the space. David, do you have any to spare, I am interested in one.

I agree with Jnicho on the macro algae, I have been battling a fern like caulerpa and a cactus plate like macro algae in my display. Once established they can be near impossible to get rid of. They grow fast, have anchors into the rock, and can overwhelm corals. I would suggest you save your room for corals. If it is color you are looking for, Green is one of the most common colors of corals. Of course this is all just advice, the decision is yours.

[mjsandbe]

SWFirstTimer, can you give us more detail on your setup?

As an example, here is my setup:

Lighting:
400watt 20K XM Metal Halide Bulb
Two URI 24in 75 watt Actinic Blue VHO for Dawn/Dusk
30watt 5K Compact Fourecent over the refugium in the sump.
Skimmer:
EuroReef
Water Movement:
MAG 9.5 that is the return from the sump that a feeds a SCWD and two Oceans Motions Revolutions
Penquin 1140 (300 GPH) with Hydor FLO Rotating Deflector
Tunze Turbelle nano stream 6025 (660 GPH)
Filtration:
Live Rock, Deep Sand Bed, Filter Sock 100 micron, Fluval 405 running (Poly Filters, Boyd Chemi Pure Elite, Two Little Fishies Phosban,Seachem Purigen)
Water Top Off System:
NURCE gravity/siphon feed automatic top off system. About 6 gallons.
Livestock:
Small Polyp Stony (SPS) Corals
Additives:
ESV b-ionic
Temperature:
79-81 F
Water:
I use a 5 Stage RO/DI 75/100 GPD with quick connect PUSH-IN fittings from Air, Water, & Ice Inc. for all of my water needs.

[oyam123]

yes

[SWFirstTimer]

Here's an overview...
Lighting:
33 gallon long - our old freshwater tank
Lighting:
Compact Flourescent, 96W 12K and 96W actinic with 6 (3 dual) moonlights
Skimmer:
Filter Skilter - but sucks as a skimmer
Water Movement:
2 visijet powerheads...don't recall size
Filtration:
Live Rock - guessing 40 - 50 lbs, Sand Bed, about 1 inch deep, Skilter Filter, Bio-wheel hang on filter
Water Top Off System:
Me, dumping in about a half gallon each night
Livestock:
Coral Beauty, false percula, scooter dragonet, 6 line wrasse, blue damsel, small polyp-about 12 polyps, mushrooms
Additives:
Calc water
Temperature:
79-79 F
Water:
I use a 5 Stage RO/DI

[SWFirstTimer]

I may be up for it...but would need to wait until I am in the Rochester area as I couldn't justify the hour drive just for that. If I am going that way I will get in touch and see if you have some still.

Thanks!

[oyam123]

thanx!