A few macroalgae questions

[LordJoshaeus]

Hi everyone! Here's a couple questions about macroalgae;
1 - What PAR at the substrate is required to get decent macroalgae growth?
2 - Will 10 turnovers per hour work for most macros?
3 - Would injecting CO2 benefit macroalgae like it does freshwater plants? (I am going to be experimenting with CO2 dosing with a planted tank soon). On a similar vein, would macroalgae benefit from freshwater aquarium fertilizers?
4 - Is there an ideal nitrate/phosphate/etc nutrient level for macros?
5 - Did I miss anything?

I do not currently have any saltwater tanks, but I would like to try a macroalgae tank again some day. Thanks

 

[lapin]

If you have time, plus you can always ask him questions.

Weeds - Reef Central Online Community

Weeds Marine Plants & Macroalgae

reefcentral.com

 

[flsalty]

Par level depends on the macro. Reds like less par than greens.

10x is fine. Macros don't need much flow.

Jury is still out on CO2, but the general consensus is it is not needed for macros.

Algae doesn't have roots so root tabs will be of no benefit. They definitely need nitrates and phosphates similar to a coral tank. Not too high or you will get micro growing on your macro. The rest of the elements will be replenished with water changes.

 

[LordJoshaeus]

Par level depends on the macro. Reds like less par than greens.

10x is fine. Macros don't need much flow.

Jury is still out on CO2, but the general consensus is it is not needed for macros.

Algae doesn't have roots so root tabs will be of no benefit. They definitely need nitrates and phosphates similar to a coral tank. Not too high or you will get micro growing on your macro. The rest of the elements will be replenished with water changes.

I was thinking of using a weak water column fert. Other than that...I think this answers my questions. Thank you

 

[crusso1993]

Hi everyone! Here's a couple questions about macroalgae;
1 - What PAR at the substrate is required to get decent macroalgae growth?
2 - Will 10 turnovers per hour work for most macros?
3 - Would injecting CO2 benefit macroalgae like it does freshwater plants? (I am going to be experimenting with CO2 dosing with a planted tank soon). On a similar vein, would macroalgae benefit from freshwater aquarium fertilizers?
4 - Is there an ideal nitrate/phosphate/etc nutrient level for macros?
5 - Did I miss anything?

I do not currently have any saltwater tanks, but I would like to try a macroalgae tank again some day. Thanks

The link below will take you to what is a build thread to the most beautiful macro tank I have seen. The OP answers questions but, unfortunately, is not around here much.

Build Thread - Waterbox 130.4 Macroalgae Display

So after a 3 year hiatus from owning a saltwater tank.... I'm finally back with a Waterbox 130.4 Tank! This tank will be mainly macroalgae similar to a tank I did back in 2011! Link for those that'd like to check the old tank out...

www.reef2reef.com