Anyone have a macro algae/mixed reef tank?

[Schraufabagel]

I’m moving apartments in late March. I’m considering using the opportunity to attempt converting my tank to a macro algae mixed reef tank with mangroves. looking at either a 20 or 30 gallon tank at 2ft wide.

Anyone have experience with these kinds of tanks? And if you do, do you have any pictures? Lighting is the biggest question for me.

 

[Schraufabagel]

The lighting would have to support soft corals and euphyllia alongside the macro algae and mangroves. The following are the lighting options that I would decide between

AI Prime 16HD on the right side and AI Prime Freshwater on the left side. Allowing for the corals on right and macro algae on left. I already have an AI Prime 16 H

Orphek OR3 Reef Day bars would allow me to supply greater spread and mix the corals in. But I can’t find if there are bars that also have red and green channels.

Alternatively I could use a Reef Breeders Photon 24. But this would be the most expensive lighting option.

Lastly, a Twinstar 600SP would be a great option for true full spectrum LED. I’m just not sure how well it would do at illuminating corals.

 

[fishguy242]

@Eagle_Steve

 

[Schraufabagel]

Also, this source was recommended to me when I first dabbled in macro algae. I think I’m going to follow it more strictly to ensure survival

Marine Plants In The Aquarium: An online guide to the identification and care of marine plants and macroalgae in the aquarium.

An online guide to the identification and care of marine plants and macroalgae in the aquarium.

www.marineplantbook.com

 

[Eagle_Steve]

For my mangrove lagoon, I use 6500k grow lights. I am not trying to get the corals to pop that I have in there, so no reef based lights. As long as they grow, that is all I am worried about.

For a tank that size, I would just do some AI prime HDs. one up high for the mangrove and one down low for the corals. I do not believe there is a need to do an FW one and a normal one.

@Tigahboy uses this setup on a mangrove/macro reef and it looks great.

 

[Obsessed with fish]

For my mangrove lagoon, I use 6500k grow lights. I am not trying to get the corals to pop that I have in there, so no reef based lights. As long as they grow, that is all I am worried about.

For a tank that size, I would just do some AI prime HDs. one up high for the mangrove and one down low for the corals. I do not believe there is a need to do an FW one and a normal one.

@Tigahboy uses this setup on a mangrove/macro reef and it looks great.

I like eagles

 

[GoReefin]

For mine I just use an AI prime set up for my anemones. The macro algae grows pretty quick.

 

[dvgyfresh]

Old thread lol but I use the orphek reef day bars and they do have red , although it’s only on one end weirdly not symmetrical , right under my mangrove is the red light

 

[Tylenator]

Old thread lol but I use the orphek reef day bars and they do have red , although it’s only on one end weirdly not symmetrical , right under my mangrove is the red light

Is this your reef tank if so can you tell me if that's dragon breath and what other plants/algae you have the tank is gorgeous

 

[dvgyfresh]

Is this your reef tank if so can you tell me if that's dragon breath and what other plants/algae you have the tank is gorgeous

Thanks man ye it’s mine , there isn’t much macro algae in the display , some caulerpa/mangrove it’s mostly softies like Xenia / anthelia / zoas and then anemones

 

[Zoa_Fanatic]

I mean I grow Dragonsbreath in a biocube with stock lights. It grows like an absolute weed. It’s doubles in size every month and if I don’t trim it it becomes a forest