How do you dose macroalgae only tank?

[Bengals888]

Hi,

I want to setup a small tank with only macroalgae and no fish. What do you use to make the water nutrient rich with phosphate and nitrates?
Do I just grind up fish pellets?

Can I use Seachem Reef Plus for the extra minerals? Which iron supplement?

How long do the lights need to be on for?

I will be using HOB filter. Just use a bio sponge?

 

[cristata.reef]

I just keep some CUC inverts in there to keep away nuisance algae and feed the macros with their poop. Also dosing iron and iodine are used to promote growth. Never tried iron but IME iodine helps red macros grow nicely

 

[Bengals888]

I just keep some CUC inverts in there to keep away nuisance algae and feed the macros with their poop. Also dosing iron and iodine are used to promote growth. Never tried iron but IME iodine helps red macros grow nicely

Great. Thanks. Can I put macros in while tank is cycling? I will look up each macro type and see what is available in my area and go from there.

 

[cristata.reef]

I wouldn't. Done it before and the ammonia can kill the macros and if they survive sometimes they have dulled colors or weird/stunted growth patterns. Let your tank cycle, wait for some nitrates and add the macros then. If you need macro advice feel free to ask

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Here’s a thread with some info and products.
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/bad-experiences-with-nitrate-and-or-phosphate-dosing.442647/

To high ammoina is bad yes. But algae , and coral too Btw , can use ammoina as a nitrate source the same way bacteria do. So you could dose ammonia really.
But it’s much easier to use a bottle of no3 with dosing instructions.

A full tank of macro wil eat up a lot so you will have to fertilize one way or another.

 

[cristata.reef]

Oh yeah there are some organic kelp-based fertilizers for plants that might work