New Tank - In-Tank Macroalgae Recommendations

[Willhersh34]

Ok so...........my wife decided she wanted a tank that was all "hers" - like she's doing the aquascape, building a rock wall, choosing the tank inhabitants, etc. I get the "engineering" side - design the filtration, lighting, etc. One of the things she wants are saltwater "plants", obviously in this case being macroalgae. The tank is a 36 gallon bow front with an AIO DIY (yeah, I'm that guy, LOL).

Anyway, unbeknownst to her my plan is to build things as if she's going to keep corals. She says she doesn't want to but all my tanks get setup that way because, well, you never know. Soooooo...........I'm looking for feedback on what macros to keep in-tank. My first thought was Dragon's Tongue and Sea Lettuce. I know Sea Lettuce is hideous (sort of) to look at but it serves a purpose. I keep tangs in my other tanks and the thought of a self-sustaining type of deal to save on some norii cost (yeah, I'm that cheap guy too) is for some reason appealing to me.

Just looking for some first hand experience/recommendations/feedback. I've thought about blue hypnea but whatever I choose I have to relinquish control and give her final say. (Happy wife = happy life. That's a life lesson!)

 

[ISpeakForTheSeas]

From an aesthetics perspective, something like Mermaid’s Fan, Mermaid’s Cup, or Red Bamboo Algae could be fun.

 

[Spare time]

Sea lettuce can take over a tank if not eaten rapidly. It is extremely prolific.

 

[SlugSnorter]

Ok so...........my wife decided she wanted a tank that was all "hers" - like she's doing the aquascape, building a rock wall, choosing the tank inhabitants, etc. I get the "engineering" side - design the filtration, lighting, etc. One of the things she wants are saltwater "plants", obviously in this case being macroalgae. The tank is a 36 gallon bow front with an AIO DIY (yeah, I'm that guy, LOL).

Anyway, unbeknownst to her my plan is to build things as if she's going to keep corals. She says she doesn't want to but all my tanks get setup that way because, well, you never know. Soooooo...........I'm looking for feedback on what macros to keep in-tank. My first thought was Dragon's Tongue and Sea Lettuce. I know Sea Lettuce is hideous (sort of) to look at but it serves a purpose. I keep tangs in my other tanks and the thought of a self-sustaining type of deal to save on some norii cost (yeah, I'm that cheap guy too) is for some reason appealing to me.

Just looking for some first hand experience/recommendations/feedback. I've thought about blue hypnea but whatever I choose I have to relinquish control and give her final say. (Happy wife = happy life. That's a life lesson!)

blue hypnea is a personal favorite

 

[tharbin]

I'm partial to the calcified algae like shaving brush, merman's fan and halimeda. A few of those along with some dragon's tongue or red graceleria would look nice. Like @Spare time said, ulva can get out of control and hard to contain. Blue hypnea is also really nice and would go well with the others.

 

[Subsea]

Knowing which inhabitants determines lighting and that helps determine plants.

Let’s take Bortacladia, which is collected in 40’-120’. When I get it from the divers, it is a rich dark burgundy, if subjected to intense lighting it lost flotation berries and dissolved away. When acclimated, as light intensity increases it turns fire engine red than yellow/orange. Don’t expect to keep ornamental seaweed with heavy grazers like tangs, urchins & emerald crabs.

 

[Spare time]

I like all species of gracilaria

 

[Subsea]

I like all species of gracilaria

I find that G, Hayi is a perfect candidate as it is lightly calcified and not often grazed.

I am present starting a culture of Gracilaria Parvispora, Red Ogo, for human consumption.

 

[Willhersh34]

I'm partial to the calcified algae like shaving brush, merman's fan and halimeda. A few of those along with some dragon's tongue or red graceleria would look nice. Like @Spare time said, ulva can get out of control and hard to contain. Blue hypnea is also really nice and would go well with the others.

Ulva was only a thought since I can harvest it for my other tanks as a tang snack. I went with it in a Fuge precisely for its rapid growth and value as a nutrient export. So yeah, probably not the best idea in a DT. Lol.

 

[Willhersh34]

I should add………..stocking will be an Ocellaris or 2, she wants a dragonette, an anemone or 2. I will adjust the lighting based on what she winds up with for the final stock list

right now it’s all about getting ideas. Literally just added water so I have a while as the tank cycles and I get parameters where they need to be.

 

[Subsea]

@Willhersh34
At 73 years old and a reefer for 50 years, I suggest you assist your soulmate in expressing herself and design the tank for her intended goal, not another coral reef tank for your domain. Discuss with her what she likes, then explain what it takes to make that happen. Design your tank around a central theme. In my case, I emulate nature by maximizing diversity to assist with stability & longevity

I am not an expert on marriage, as I have only had one that lasted for 40 years.

Enjoy your reef. I have not lost the passion & wonder of my first marine tank 50 years ago.