Benefits of Adding Macro Algae to Your Sump

[john.m.cole3]

I want to hear from everyone the changes they noticed after adding macros to their sump. I've been reefing for 2 years and am going to run a refugium with chaeto in it for the first time.

Was there a noticeable improvement of coral growth and coloration? Or were the changes something that you weren't expecting?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

For me, the first time I added it, I saw less green on the display glass.

 

[DLHDesign]

Mine died the first time I added it. And the second. Third time's the charm...

The first and second time, my macro was after all my filtration - including filter socks, skimmer, GFO, and carbon. Thinking about it now, it's no wonder that it struggled to survive before finally succumbing.
This time, the macro is in the first chamber - before even filter socks. For the past few months, every time I clean my filter socks, I've been flushing a few pods down the drain. I'm hoping this means that my system is saturated with them, but I'd still like to avoid it. So the macro will (ideally) mean less loss of pods, if nothing else. For a time, at least...

 

[john.m.cole3]

Mine died the first time I added it. And the second. Third time's the charm...

The first and second time, my macro was after all my filtration - including filter socks, skimmer, GFO, and carbon. Thinking about it now, it's no wonder that it struggled to survive before finally succumbing.
This time, the macro is in the first chamber - before even filter socks. For the past few months, every time I clean my filter socks, I've been flushing a few pods down the drain. I'm hoping this means that my system is saturated with them, but I'd still like to avoid it. So the macro will (ideally) mean less loss of pods, if nothing else. For a time, at least...

This makes me reconsider my sump layout. I think most people do skimmer first then the macros thinking the skimmer will pull the chunky stuff first. But I see where you are coming from with fuge first approach. Thanks!

 

[nervousmonkey]

Fuge first allows a lot of detritus to build up but having a good flow through the chaeto helps; it makes sense why people tumble it, otherwise it can just be shaken out. It really normalizes the tank and makes it healthy in ways that aren't measurable to me. Healthy tanks and tanks with good parameters are two different things IMO

 

[DLHDesign]

This makes me reconsider my sump layout. I think most people do skimmer first then the macros thinking the skimmer will pull the chunky stuff first.

Note that my option was either to locate my macro last (as I had it) or first (as it is now). In the middle (after socks and/or skimmer) wasn't really an option - not enough room in the sump. Had I had my druthers, I honestly am not sure where I would put it... Following along to see what others say myself.

 

[ChiCity]

The greatest benefit that I find to macros is there is a lil stability brought to pH levels and it's also a good way to export nutrients.
Also some macros are simply gorgeous and can be prominently displayed right along side with showpiece corals