Pacific Ocean seaweed or kelp for refugium?

Robert Edgar · Aug 21, 2020

Hello all,

As many of you know, Chaeto is in short supply these days. I live in San Pedro, California near the ocean. I was wondering if local seaweed or kelp would work in my refugium as a nutrient exporter? I’d appreciate your thoughts on the matter. Thanks, Rob

User1 · Aug 21, 2020

I'm not that far down South but do scuba dive frequently in Monterey which is a bit closer than my colder waters up North outside Sacramento. If I had to guess I would say the water is too cold. Keeping saltwater and what not isn't the issue but rather the cooler water temp the bull kelp and other algae needs.

Have you considered growing other forms of macro algae? You could reach out to indo pacific sea farms and order some coral heaven. Red, yellow, and green macro algae. My tang goes nuts over the red stuff and I was able to grow it in a bucket with light. I'd recommend it and it isn't super expensive. Just another option.

Robert Edgar · Aug 21, 2020

Thank you Saf1!

I’ma tempermental coral · Aug 21, 2020

Hey! Welcome to R2R!!! You aren’t to far away from me and I grow enough cheato to supply some local stores and still have enough to feed the chickens next door! Lol. Pm me, maybe we can meet in the middle and I can give you some! Would a gallon size ziplock cover you?

rtran1024 · Dec 17, 2020

I’ma tempermental coral said:
Hey! Welcome to R2R!!! You aren’t to far away from me and I grow enough cheato to supply some local stores and still have enough to feed the chickens next door! Lol. Pm me, maybe we can meet in the middle and I can give you some! Would a gallon size ziplock cover

eatyourpeas · Feb 20, 2021

I am interested in learning what you found out. I am considering kelp in a refugium for a Puget Sound biotope. Keeping the kelp cold will not be a problem as I am already aware that Rhamphocottus richardsonii likes colder temperatures.