Dwarf seahorse tank macro algae and light questions

[AJE]

Hi. I'm planning on starting a 12" by 12" by 12" dwarf seahorse tank and I really want to do gorgonians and macro algae in the tank. I've never kept any macro algae so I'd love suggestions for good ones start out with and what a good budget light for this tank would be. Thanks in advance

 

[blaxsun]

Depends on your budget.

 

[AJE]

Depends on your budget

I want to go as cheap as possible while still being functional for what I'm trying to do

 

[blaxsun]

I want to go as cheap as possible while still being functional for what I'm trying to do

Without a $ value we'd just be flinging stuff around...

 

[MoshJosh]

Could always try a Fluval Marine Nano. Should work well on that size tank and tends to be on the whiter side for reef lights which may be appreciated by your macros. I would look for a used or open box, I have purchased a few on ebay for like $60.

 

[AJE]

Could always try a Fluval Marine Nano. Should work well on that size tank and tends to be on the whiter side for reef lights which may be appreciated by your macros. I would look for a used or open box, I have purchased a few on ebay for like $60.

Thanks! I'll look into it

 

[jabberwock]

Kessil A80 Tuna Blue

 

[Subsea]

Drawf Seahorses are messy eaters.

Any PAR 38 lamp with color spectrum 5K - 10K Kevin. Most macro algae grows in shallow water which is not predominate blue. Few macro algae flourish under blue light. Bortacladia / Red Grapes is the exception as it is collected in 30’ - 130’ of water. When I get it from the divers it is a dark burgundy. With moderate light, it displays “fire engine red”. Under intensese light, Bortacladia displays yellow/orange.

This 30G seaweed lagoon is displayed under 10K mixed with 6K color rendition.

 

[Drewerd7]

Full spectrum, 6500k, and/or even a "freshwater" planted tank light.
My Macroalgae tank is a JOY. but be careful about the nutrient intake once your macros take off.. I bottomed out my Nitrates and Phosphates so far down to zero, and did not test parameters regularly.. caused some issues.. but stuck with it, dosing NeoNitro and NeoPhos... took a few months to bring the levels back up and now it's all flourishing again.
Just saying, even with Macroalgae, you need to regualrly test those parameters.. religiously!

 

[Drewerd7]

I've heard good things about these "affordable" brands:
Smat Farm
Nicrew
Noopsyche

I have a used Twinstar.. so it was a great price second-hand.. happy macros.