Greaps
Active Member
I'm exploring possibilities and wanted to share an idea for a fairly unique tank but maybe not if you have a refugium. I enjoy the fish primarily. But want more to look at than just rock and sand. I have always liked the freshwater planted tanks with open aquascapes and carpeting plants.
Knowing we don't have many plants but instead macro algae I think I have an idea of where to go with this. I just don't know how maintenance intensive a macro algae tank is and hope to gain some insight if anyone cares to share.
I want to put down a shallow sand bed, rubble, small rocks, and plant across the tank a species of Caulerpa. I have in mind is Caulerpa Mexicana as its described as deep green, and compact, keeping height under 6 inches with higher flow and light. I have three questions now.
1. Would it be difficulty to keep it down low and not become a tall mass of it? Can it be cut back aggressively? Can it just be cut down to height hitting stems and leafs alike similarly or does this kind of damage cause problems? Assuming im doing well, and keeping healthy plants, with rapid growth, is this a weekly job to cut it back or bi-weekly? Would it be a 10 minute job to clean up(trim down to 4-6 inch height) a 4ftX2ft area or much more involved?
2. What lighting? I think 10k color would be a good balance for viewing and growing spectrum. I am thinking 150w MH 10k and 2 bulb T5 for extended dawn and dusk viewing hours. (purple+ and Blue+) My other option is just a 6 bulb T5, running a bulb combo for 10k spectrums.
3. What filtration? I'm thinking a skimmer, and socks (possible roller mat) if new options come for sale. Possible some Carbon, but I'm thinking of doing that DIY marine snow instead.
Anyway thank you for anyone who cares to comment, my main concern is if it would be possible, manageable to maintain the caulerpa keeping it low and compact.
Knowing we don't have many plants but instead macro algae I think I have an idea of where to go with this. I just don't know how maintenance intensive a macro algae tank is and hope to gain some insight if anyone cares to share.
I want to put down a shallow sand bed, rubble, small rocks, and plant across the tank a species of Caulerpa. I have in mind is Caulerpa Mexicana as its described as deep green, and compact, keeping height under 6 inches with higher flow and light. I have three questions now.
1. Would it be difficulty to keep it down low and not become a tall mass of it? Can it be cut back aggressively? Can it just be cut down to height hitting stems and leafs alike similarly or does this kind of damage cause problems? Assuming im doing well, and keeping healthy plants, with rapid growth, is this a weekly job to cut it back or bi-weekly? Would it be a 10 minute job to clean up(trim down to 4-6 inch height) a 4ftX2ft area or much more involved?
2. What lighting? I think 10k color would be a good balance for viewing and growing spectrum. I am thinking 150w MH 10k and 2 bulb T5 for extended dawn and dusk viewing hours. (purple+ and Blue+) My other option is just a 6 bulb T5, running a bulb combo for 10k spectrums.
3. What filtration? I'm thinking a skimmer, and socks (possible roller mat) if new options come for sale. Possible some Carbon, but I'm thinking of doing that DIY marine snow instead.
Anyway thank you for anyone who cares to comment, my main concern is if it would be possible, manageable to maintain the caulerpa keeping it low and compact.
