Maybe adding an algae reactor?

[Bulldog07]

I'm thinking about adding an algae reactor to our system. There are a couple goals here.

First, a supplemental food source for a couple of or fish. Obviously extra pods are a plus for the Mandarin, but I was wondering if there was a type of macro algae that would be a nice treat for the rabbitfish and tang. I learned from our rescued sailfin, NO cheato! Open to any and all suggestions on this one.

Secondly, nutrient export. How do I know how big of a reactor to get? Or is this one of those get as big as you can sort of things?

Now to the building questions. I was looking at the marine depot kit, but I was (possibly mistakenly) under the impression that red light was better for reactor growth? The kit comes with white.

We have a 220 gallon system. Would one larger reactor or multiple smaller ones be better?

As always, any and all input is greatly appreciated.

 

[Mark Teitelman]

I'm not an expert but I've had my Pax Bellum N18 on my 50 gallon for 4 months now, works like a champ. Clean it every 3 weeks, totally fills up with Chaeto. Pods hide in there too. Nutrient levels have been very stable. Really happy so far. Mine is sized for a slightly bigger tank.

 

[Mark Teitelman]

 

[lion king]

A 220g is a rather large system for most algae reactors, it's all about space available. The pax bellum mentioned above is one built for larger systems, if it's in your budget take a look at that one. The marine depot set up is a good, the reactor they use also comes in a large size. Honestly to be effective without too much maintenance; on a 220, I would use 2 of the larger reactors. Now you are already getting into the pax bellum price range.

As far as light goes, macro algae responds very well to the light marine depot depot has in there kit. I have 3 reactors, a refugium, and an algae scrubber; I've found macros prefer the white light in the 6000-6500k range, while the algaes grown in the scrubbers like the red and blue, with the dominant red. Running red in your macro algae reactor will likely result in other algae like hair, etc; as well as cyano.

Macros that your tangs may like are a hit and miss; you can try varieties of gracillia, ulva, and caulerpa. They will all grow well in a macro reactor. I've found pods, but very minimal in my reactors.

 

[Bulldog07]

Thanks for the responses!

I'm looking at adding this in addition to our very large skimmer. The tank is not heavily stocked, and nutrient export is not a must at this point. Not to say that it wouldn't be in the future, but skimming and water changes are taking care of the small bio-load right now. Probably just cursed myself by typing that.

I looked at the pax bellum, and they look very nice, but not really in my price range at the moment. I'm more thinking what can I find in the used reactor and add lights to category.

A friend had mentioned dragons breath might be good for the tang and rabbitfish? If I could get my hands on any of course.