advice on Plants in a reef

[nightmarepl]

hey yall, so my tank isn't quite full and unfortunately will never have 100s of corals way too expensive for me.. i was wondering on getting all diffrent types of macroalgea and plants into the tank ties to some small rock rumble around the tank to give it a more natural look / help with nutrients and balance any ideas on stuff that can be added safe for the fish safe for the corals
i was thinking on these

The Christmas tree plant (Rhipocephalus phoenix),​

Cactus Caulerpa
flat branched Gracilaria
Grape Caulerpa
Pencil Cap Algae, (Penicillus capitatus)
Red Gracilaria
Shaving Brush, (Penicillus dumetosus)
Ulva or sea lettuce maybe in my sump so tangs dont murder it

anyone thoughts on this

 

[lapin]

Sounds like a good plan. Many people do this.
You might have some issues with both coral and plants in the same tank. I think this is prob not an issue as we run carbon, skim and do water changes.

Organic Compounds in the Reef Aquarium by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com

Negative Effects of DOM: Toxins

Marine organisms can produce a multitude of organic toxins. It is beyond the scope of this article to go into the many toxins that might concern aquarists, but some discussion is certainly merited. These toxins may be intentionally released by organisms to kill neighbors or competitors, or they may be kept internally to ward off predators (being released only during predatory encounters which may or may not end in death). Some are fairly simple biochemicals. Domoic acid, for example (Figure 2), is a fairly simple biochemical that is produced by many species of diatoms. Ciguatoxin, on the other hand (Figure 3), is a complicated molecule made by a dinoflagellate. As it works its way up through the food chain to people, it has been implicated in many fatalities and is reported to sicken 20,000 people per year.20

Caulerpin (Figure 4) and caulerpicin are sometimes referred to as toxins, although they appear to be primarily growth regulators present in various species of macroalgae, especially Caulerpa. They are not particularly toxic to animals or bacteria in most studies.4-10 Many aquarists decline to keep Caulerpa sp. in their aquaria, sometimes citing the possibility of elevated levels of such toxins as a reason. Whether these particular "toxins" are of primary concern or not, looking at the structures of these sorts of toxins can help suggest ways to remove them (carbon, for example, since they are very hydrophobic), but I have never seen measurements of the levels of any toxins in aquaria, or comparisons of how well different export mechanisms might reduce those levels. I would consider such measurements to be of significant value to aquarists.

 

[hllb]

I am adding some macro to a 10g display tank today (just waiting on shipment to arrive). The tank has 3 corals in it right now, but I need some extra help with nutrients in the small tank. I wanted macro that would be:

1) easy to attach (red ogo is NOT and just ended up in my filter after 2 days)
2) would help with nutrients and
3) wouldn't grow uncontrollably in the tank

The suggestions I received: red pom pom (gr. hayi), red grape, blue hypnea, blue ochtodes, shaving brush

I ended up ordering red pom pom, shaving brush, blue ochtodes, and another red ball shaped one but not sure the exact name. Hopefully they do well! They may not all fit in the 10g, so I can put them in my fuge on my bigger tank too

 

[nightmarepl]

I am adding some macro to a 10g display tank today (just waiting on shipment to arrive). The tank has 3 corals in it right now, but I need some extra help with nutrients in the small tank. I wanted macro that would be:

1) easy to attach (red ogo is NOT and just ended up in my filter after 2 days)
2) would help with nutrients and
3) wouldn't grow uncontrollably in the tank

The suggestions I received: red pom pom (gr. hayi), red grape, blue hypnea, blue ochtodes, shaving brush

I ended up ordering red pom pom, shaving brush, blue ochtodes, and another red ball shaped one but not sure the exact name. Hopefully they do well! They may not all fit in the 10g, so I can put them in my fuge on my bigger tank too

interseting im going to order a few of thes not too crazy dont want it extremely crowded

 

[hllb]

interseting im going to order a few of thes not too crazy dont want it extremely crowded

This is the site I ordered from. The blue hypnea (, mislabeled what I orderd, and this is hard to find in stock) is called purple thicket on this site. I'm happy to post photos of what I receive later today too.

Macro Algae

Macro Algae for sale. Largest selection of saltwater plants for sale. Reasons to buy Macro algae and Marine Plants for sale at ANF. Aquacultured Macro algae for Saltwater aquarium tanks.

www.aquaculturenurseryfarms.com

 

[davidcalgary29]

I am adding some macro to a 10g display tank today (just waiting on shipment to arrive). The tank has 3 corals in it right now, but I need some extra help with nutrients in the small tank. I wanted macro that would be:

1) easy to attach (red ogo is NOT and just ended up in my filter after 2 days)
2) would help with nutrients and
3) wouldn't grow uncontrollably in the tank

The suggestions I received: red pom pom (gr. hayi), red grape, blue hypnea, blue ochtodes, shaving brush

I ended up ordering red pom pom, shaving brush, blue ochtodes, and another red ball shaped one but not sure the exact name. Hopefully they do well! They may not all fit in the 10g, so I can put them in my fuge on my bigger tank too

I love macro, but many popular types have the same nutritional and environmental requirements of coral; in other words, it may be a mistake to think that they'll be easier to cultivate than coral. This is especially true of attractive species with holdfasts like halimeda, which can compete with coral for minerals in building and maintaining its calcareous structure.

I tried a number of types of caulerpa and dislike them all. "Feather" caulerpa is somewhat less invasive than grape caulerpa (which I detest),but it was quickly eaten by, well, everything in my tank.

My personal choice for tanks -- especially new tanks -- is halymenia. Yes, you have to tie it down, but it's pretty, indestructible, and is a pretty good vector for nutrient export.

 

[hllb]

I love macro, but many popular types have the same nutritional and environmental requirements of coral; in other words, it may be a mistake to think that they'll be easier to cultivate than coral. This is especially true of attractive species with holdfasts like halimeda, which can compete with coral for minerals in building and maintaining its calcareous structure.

I tried a number of types of caulerpa and dislike them all. "Feather" caulerpa is somewhat less invasive than grape caulerpa (which I detest),but it was quickly eaten by, well, everything in my tank.

My personal choice for tanks -- especially new tanks -- is halymenia. Yes, you have to tie it down, but it's pretty, indestructible, and is a pretty good vector for nutrient export.

I'm not looking for 'easier than coral'. I'm looking for nutrient export.

 

[nightmarepl]

I love macro, but many popular types have the same nutritional and environmental requirements of coral; in other words, it may be a mistake to think that they'll be easier to cultivate than coral. This is especially true of attractive species with holdfasts like halimeda, which can compete with coral for minerals in building and maintaining its calcareous structure.

I tried a number of types of caulerpa and dislike them all. "Feather" caulerpa is somewhat less invasive than grape caulerpa (which I detest),but it was quickly eaten by, well, everything in my tank.

My personal choice for tanks -- especially new tanks -- is halymenia. Yes, you have to tie it down, but it's pretty, indestructible, and is a pretty good vector for nutrient export.

ill try it out

 

[Projects with Sam]

I think the 'cost' aspect of running macro may be understated. If you're doing this to save costs while still getting nutrient export you may just want a patch of xenia or something. There are also other inexpensive fast growing corals that are probably lower maintenance and special-knowledge-centric ways to accomplish this on a budget. It seems like false economy to me.
Nonetheless, It sounds like a cool tank as I find myself staring into my fuge at the algae a bunch...

 

[davidcalgary29]

I think the 'cost' aspect of running macro may be understated. If you're doing this to save costs while still getting nutrient export you may just want a patch of xenia or something. There are also other inexpensive fast growing corals that are probably lower maintenance and special-knowledge-centric ways to accomplish this on a budget. It seems like false economy to me.
Nonetheless, It sounds like a cool tank as I find myself staring into my fuge at the algae a bunch...

What do you mean? The biggest problem with effecient, fast-growing cheapies like halymenia is that lots of things like to eat them, but there are ways to deal with that. I'm all in for xenia, but I'm not sure if vast polyp fields are everyone's cup of tea.

And I refuse to grow chaeto any more; it's hideous and strands keep escaping from my 'fuge, strangling powerhead and filter motors.

 

[Tamberav]

hey yall, so my tank isn't quite full and unfortunately will never have 100s of corals way too expensive for me.. i was wondering on getting all diffrent types of macroalgea and plants into the tank ties to some small rock rumble around the tank to give it a more natural look / help with nutrients and balance any ideas on stuff that can be added safe for the fish safe for the corals
i was thinking on these

The Christmas tree plant (Rhipocephalus phoenix),​

Cactus Caulerpa
flat branched Gracilaria
Grape Caulerpa
Pencil Cap Algae, (Penicillus capitatus)
Red Gracilaria
Shaving Brush, (Penicillus dumetosus)
Ulva or sea lettuce maybe in my sump so tangs dont murder it

anyone thoughts on this

Its fine but a few of those are fairly invasive. A bit hard to remove the roots from the rock and capable of smothering other macros. Grape especially.

You also mention tangs. They may nip and eat all but the least desirable ones.

Keep in mind you can frag your corals as they grow and replant them in another spot in your tank. This actually makes for a more natural reef. If you were diving you would see repeat colonies of the same corals. Not one of everything.

 

[dennis romano]

hey yall, so my tank isn't quite full and unfortunately will never have 100s of corals way too expensive for me.. i was wondering on getting all diffrent types of macroalgea and plants into the tank ties to some small rock rumble around the tank to give it a more natural look / help with nutrients and balance any ideas on stuff that can be added safe for the fish safe for the corals
i was thinking on these

The Christmas tree plant (Rhipocephalus phoenix),​

Cactus Caulerpa
flat branched Gracilaria
Grape Caulerpa
Pencil Cap Algae, (Penicillus capitatus)
Red Gracilaria
Shaving Brush, (Penicillus dumetosus)
Ulva or sea lettuce maybe in my sump so tangs dont murder it

anyone thoughts on this

This week, I have started to stock my 125 with macro. The first specimens arrived last week from a R2R seller and are doing well. Red Gracilaria and Halimeda are coming today. Different Gracilaria is coming tomorrow. I will be following along and learning on the fly. The fish population is a variety of butterflie.

 

[JNalley]

hey yall, so my tank isn't quite full and unfortunately will never have 100s of corals way too expensive for me.. i was wondering on getting all diffrent types of macroalgea and plants into the tank ties to some small rock rumble around the tank to give it a more natural look / help with nutrients and balance any ideas on stuff that can be added safe for the fish safe for the corals
i was thinking on these

The Christmas tree plant (Rhipocephalus phoenix),​

Cactus Caulerpa
flat branched Gracilaria
Grape Caulerpa
Pencil Cap Algae, (Penicillus capitatus)
Red Gracilaria
Shaving Brush, (Penicillus dumetosus)
Ulva or sea lettuce maybe in my sump so tangs dont murder it

anyone thoughts on this

Not sure where all you're looking for macroalgae, but I have some bookmarks of places I shop at, maybe something will catch your eye.

Note: Macro is out of season for the Northern Hemisphere (Gulf, Caribbean, etc) So a lot of places are out of stock of a lot of things, but here's a good list of places. I've purchased from all but 2 of them.

https://www.live-plants.com/
https://www.aquaculturenurseryfarms.com/macro-algae.../
https://www.reefcleaners.org/aquarium.../plants-macroalgae
https://www.saltyunderground.com/7-marine-macro-algae
https://www.mysaltwaterfishstore.com/macro-algae/
https://www.liveaquaria.com/cate.../3752/marine-plants-algae
https://www.bluezooaquatics.com/productlist.asp?did=3...

 

[Projects with Sam]

What do you mean? The biggest problem with effecient, fast-growing cheapies like halymenia is that lots of things like to eat them, but there are ways to deal with that. I'm all in for xenia, but I'm not sure if vast polyp fields are everyone's cup of tea.

And I refuse to grow chaeto any more; it's hideous and strands keep escaping from my 'fuge, strangling powerhead and filter motors.

When I read it the first time it seemed like there was more concern over cost to fill the tank. Upon rereading, I've found there are other aspects so its not just a $$ to fill tank type situation; there are other, cool aspects of doing macro in the DT.
So it would be similar to a FW planted tank, just SW? that sounds neat. Mangrove?

 

[nightmarepl]

for me its more of a benefiting factor growing " good " algae slows and stops bad algae like dinos i was told
i also wanted a more " realistic " look in my display having some plants growing nothing crazy just a few growing things fish will some what leave alone or nib on from time to time without it causing many issues
want more things moving around in the tank aswell

 

[JNalley]

for me its more of a benefiting factor growing " good " algae slows and stops bad algae like dinos i was told
i also wanted a more " realistic " look in my display having some plants growing nothing crazy just a few growing things fish will some what leave alone or nib on from time to time without it causing many issues
want more things moving around in the tank aswell

yeh, these are all valid reasons, I love macro in the display, it gives it character.

 

[nightmarepl]

yeh, these are all valid reasons, I love macro in the display, it gives it character.

thats the idea i know my tangs will chew it all down so what ever they dont pick at ill just put into the sump let it grow in there

 

[JNalley]

thats the idea i know my tangs will chew it all down so what ever they dont pick at ill just put into the sump let it grow in there

If you're concerned with the Tangs mowing it down, stick to the more calcareous algae. Halimeda, Coralline Rigid, Coralline Fine, Hypnea (I think), there are a couple of red ones that are calcareous too, I just can't remember which.

 

[hllb]

I received my order and most of it looks really good. Unfortunately the blue hypnea is bleached so not sure it’ll survive but we’ll see. I put most of it in the 10g and one tiny piece of hypnea in my big tank to see what happens.

 

[damsels are not mean]

I'm not looking for 'easier than coral'. I'm looking for nutrient export.

xenia