Nitrate and Phosphate Uptake Characteristics of Different Macroalgae

[jzw]

hi, we're new to this r2r subforum, and have a question.

can anyone point us a good reference source describing the different types of macroalgae typically used in reef aquaria, a reference that shows which ones are good at exporting NO3 vs PO4, and vice-versa? (plus any other nasties?)

we heard anecdotally, from a local LA hobbyist, that caulerpa takes in more phosphate, and less nitrate, at least when compared to chaeto. true?

we currently have more phosphates than nitrates, requiring us to dose a potassium nitrate diy mixture. we feel the need to keep our chaeto and caulerpa for PO4 export, but it's sucking up all our livestock generated nitrates in the process ;Cat

with the impending onslaught of redfield ratio applications to our hobby (at least we feel it's coming), we figured we should arm ourselves with basic macroalgae characteristics, to employ diferrent algae, at different times depending on our needs. vincent chalias, a coral mariculturist in bali, mentioned at reefstock denver 2018, that different algaes came at different seasons, like caulerpa every dry season, then dissappearing. so mother nature has a way of reacting - maybe we should too in our mini ecosystems.

the only thing we've found is a study referenced by randy hf, on macroalgae composition, performed in hawaii (see screenshot, link below).

http://web.archive.org/web/20040720161739/http:/www.botany.hawaii.edu/Bot482/Kaneohe Bay algae N-P Larned Mar Biol.pdf

any anecdotal observations would be welcome as well, of course! ;Doctor

 

[leptang]

You might want to research the Redflield ratio

Edit: sorry i answered before i read the entire post

 

[rushbattle]

You might want to research the Redflield ratio

We try to be inclusive on this forum, but it’s a bit disrespectful to flippantly suggest someone research something that they’ve already attempted, clearly, by evidence of the original post. Perhaps suggest something more specific, what do you think they missed?

To OP, thank you for pointing out these differences. Logically it makes sense that each species will utilize different nutrients at different ratios. But I’ve not seen any data that measures it as such, just the compositions that you’ve already mentioned. This seems to be likely the genesis of Tritons recommendation for multiple macro species. Tagging along for further insight. Hope you find some interesting data!

 

[Katrina71]

You could try asking the MacroMan on eBay. Look up nori clip to find him. Super knowledgeable and nice. Please tell him I sent you. Just give him time to respond.

 

[Subsea]

Redfied ratio of 116/16/1 is for phytoplankton.

In general, macro composition will be 560/30/1 of carbon/nitrogen/phosphorus. When I grew Gracilaria Parvispora for human consumption, I sent it off for analysis. The ratio was 30:1 N/P.

I dose ammonia everyday because I have an abundance of phosphate in my 25 year old 75G Jaubert Plenum.

While I don’t subscribe to using multiple macro species in a refugium, I use differrent ornamental macros for aquascaping.

John Mah9ney at Reef Cleaners likes to use multiple species.
https://www.reefcleaners.org/stocking-the-sump-refugium

Russ Kronwetter at liveplants is the guru on macro.
https://www.marineplantbook.com/

 

[leptang]

We try to be inclusive on this forum, but it’s a bit disrespectful to flippantly suggest someone research something that they’ve already attempted, clearly, by evidence of the original post. Perhaps suggest something more specific, what do you think they missed?

To OP, thank you for pointing out these differences. Logically it makes sense that each species will utilize different nutrients at different ratios. But I’ve not seen any data that measures it as such, just the compositions that you’ve already mentioned. This seems to be likely the genesis of Tritons recommendation for multiple macro species. Tagging along for further insight. Hope you find some interesting data!

Thanks