macro algea for refugium

[jellyfish]

Hi all, I have a 2 footer tank use as my sump.... currently, the is a compartment for me to set up a refugium. I've kept those strings look alike algea, fern algea, grapes algea but none of them were able to survive for more than 2 months. Wonder what kind of algea is more "hardy and easier for me to keep. I've seen those red algea which looks like straws. LFS used to sell them as food for tangs. Wonder these algea easy to keep? Are them able to absord nitrate like other green algea do? Kindly advise...

[hammy]

i am also using two footer as a sump ... been using this algae show in the picture ever since i do my sump ... no die off ...

what lighting are u using for ur FUGE ?? strong enough ??

some reefer do use red algae but am not sure whether they absorb NO3 anot ...

[jefnbl]

hammy, can i know what lights u r using for your fuge?

[jellyfish]

hi hammy, i ever kept the algea in the picture, the 1 i said looks like strings and I must this is the 1 that could last longest. It was doing very well in the 1st month and in fact, it overgrown in my refugium and I have to trim it evey 2 weeks. However, these algea suddently turn white over a few days without any reason.... I'm using 24W 6500K PL turning 24/7 . Think it should be strong enough. wonder what the hell happen..

[hippo]

Hi all, I have a 2 footer tank use as my sump.... currently, the is a compartment for me to set up a refugium. I've kept those strings look alike algea, fern algea, grapes algea but none of them were able to survive for more than 2 months. Wonder what kind of algea is more "hardy and easier for me to keep. I've seen those red algea which looks like straws. LFS used to sell them as food for tangs. Wonder these algea easy to keep? Are them able to absord nitrate like other green algea do? Kindly advise...

Hi Jellyfish,

Those red colour algae you mentioned is red bamboo algae. Used to have them, my fern algae was overgrown, hence the red bamboo cannot survive.

I using 18w PL light, 24/7 photo period in a hang-on I~ref.

If you want to keep red bamboo algae, stronger lighting may needed. (e.g. 24w)

IMO, fern algae should consider the easiest one to keep in the sump/ref.

[jellyfish]

can anyone advise on the triming part of algea? Do we have to trime a all and just leave a little bit on the rock? ny general guide lines?

[lightningstrike]

juz pluck or cut out the overgrown macroalgae, leaving enuff for nutrient export.

[hammy]

hammy, can i know what lights u r using for your fuge?

i am just using 2 x 11w for my FUGE and it is already growing into amazon forest ... need frequent pruning ...

using 6500k 24/7 , hope it help u ....

hammy

[magern2]

can I add in a question?

Is macroalgae able to tolerate water temperature above 30 degree?

[boxfish]

Hippo,

Is it true that a 24/7refugium can prevent the Caulerpa from going sexual? your purpose to go for 24/7?

[hippo]

Hippo,

Is it true that a 24/7refugium can prevent the Caulerpa from going sexual? your purpose to go for 24/7?

Boxfish,

Partly.. read below.

The purpose is to provide sufficient lighting is only part of the criteria for the growth of macroalgae only.

Macroalgae become sexual may due to several reasons such as:

a. stress in new water environment.

b. poor water condition.

c. insufficient lighting.

For item (a), dosing of supplement contains iron will helps to reduce stress and decrease the likelihood of macroalgae undergoing sexual reproduction, creating water quality problems

More info: Click here

For item (, Improve water condition. E.g. skimmer, adquate waterflow, efficient filteration, etc.

Item ©, IMO, 24/7 or reverse photo-period for macroalgae is recommended.

Cheers,

Hippo

[Tigger]

Sorry to hijack this tread.

Q: Can I use turtle weed for nutrient export?

[Eric]

Sorry to hijack this tread.

Q: Can I use turtle weed for nutrient export?

Why not? If your turtle weed can grow as fast..........choose a fast growing macroalgae for efficent nutrients export.........if too slow a growth, its not worth the electricity bills and risk of assexual "poisoning" the main tank.

Eric

[Jun Hong]

Why not? If your turtle weed can grow as fast..........choose a fast growing macroalgae for efficent nutrients export.........if too slow a growth, its not worth the electricity bills and risk of assexual "poisoning" the main tank.

Eric

It is almost impossible keep turtle weed survive for long in our tank. It just turn white and died slowly.

[macman29]

Bro i know i am out of topic but can u tell me where u got your refugium sump from ????

cheers