Macro algae question...

[PJ2]

Is it a good idea or bad idea to add sea kelp from the ocean to your sump as macroalgae? Has anyone tried this?

 

[Subsea]

I have not tried it. Considering the many good options for a refugium, I can’t imagine how giant kelp could be managed in a refugium

 

[tdileo]

Provided that you wash it a couple times and keep it in a QT tank for a few weeks to ensure there is nothing on it, I don’t see any problems with it (assuming it’s not illegal to harvest in your area).

 

[Instigate]

I'm no expert so I could be wrong but I would assume kelp found in cold waters would not survive in the tropical temperatures our tanks are maintained at.

 

[Devaji]

I'm no expert so I could be wrong but I would assume kelp found in cold waters would not survive in the tropical temperatures our tanks are maintained at.

I was thinking the same. but worth trying and see after safety protocols.

 

[Instigate]

I was thinking the same. but worth trying and see after safety protocols.

Ya I'm in San Diego and have been curious about what I can harvest from the ocean for my tank, what would survive. I think I remember reading that some pods can withstand a large range of temperatures.

 

[Devaji]

Ya I'm in San Diego and have been curious about what I can harvest from the ocean for my tank, what would survive. I think I remember reading that some pods can withstand a large range of temperatures.

that would be cool. I wounder if you slowly raise the temp up to reefing temps over a few weeks if it would adjust? I bet some one on here knows...prob have been done before. not sure the long term survival rate tho. also collect it from a "clean" area. hate for you to pollute your tank.

 

[Subsea]

Copepods and amphipods can survive large environmental change. Some seaweeds, not so much. Ulva survives large environmental changes but the species that I have does not like 80 degree temperatures.

https://www.marineplantbook.com/marinebookulva.htm
https://www.marineplantbook.com/marinebookenteromorpha.htm
I grow both of these in Austin, Tx heat. At 105 degrees, I maintain 80 temperature by evaporating 10 GPD in 150G production tumble tanks.


Both Louisiana and Texas allow netting bait if you have a fishing license. Everything is bait. Coral is a no no.