Really want to add some macro algae

NakiFantaki · Feb 19, 2017

Title pretty much says it all... lol

With the all in one Nuvo 20 gallon I have I don't utilize a sump, I really don't even have the room for one if I wanted anyways. Anyways - I lack the option of having a fuge. I have looked at some of the CPR HOB models but I'm just not sold on having another 1-2 gallons of water hanging off the back of my tank above all my power components.
I want to be able to have the benefit from some macro algae in my tank though and I seem to remember seeing people turn their nuvo caddys into little custom refugiums.
Is there anyway I could just throw some cheato in one of my compartments in the back and put a small light on it? If so what kind of lighting would I need to keep the algae thriving?

Thanks!

tyler1503 · Feb 19, 2017

I'm not familiar with the Nuvo 20, however most AIO units I've seen are too small to turn the filter section into a fuge.
You could try something like dragons breathe, halimeda or caulerpa in the display. Each one has their ups and downs. It really depends on what you're wanting the algae to do for you.

lion king · Feb 19, 2017

Just added this to my BC29, you can find info on it here:

NakiFantaki · Feb 19, 2017

lion king said:
Just added this to my BC29, you can find info on it here:

Very cool! How is it working so far?

lion king · Feb 20, 2017

Hasn't been running long enough for a real report but the glass is staying cleaner, and I thought was water was clear before-now it looks even clearer. This really is the best option for an AIO nano. I had everything laying around except the light, and I bought the one from MD. It is a nice light, the perfect spectrum for macro. You could use a less expensive reactor, like the one from two little fishes; and ebay does have the flex leds.

johnnyk731 · Feb 20, 2017

prior to installing

first day

today exactly one month of running. Grows chateo like a weed. Best 250 bucks I spent

reeferfoxx · Feb 20, 2017

I put a fuge in the back of my aio. Used an inTank media basket and jbj nano glo. Growing chaeto just fine.

NakiFantaki · Feb 24, 2017

reeferfoxx said:
I put a fuge in the back of my aio. Used an inTank media basket and jbj nano glo. Growing chaeto just fine.

What light are you using?

reeferfoxx · Feb 24, 2017

NakiFantaki said:
What light are you using?

For the fuge? I am using the jbj nano glo

LetItReef · Feb 24, 2017

On my IM40 I have red macroalgaes and few rubble rocks in one of the chamber and doing well.

LetItReef · Feb 24, 2017

I was using the nano glo and did ok but this grow light makes a big difference.

reeferfoxx · Feb 24, 2017

LetItReef said:
I was using the nano glo and did ok but this grow light makes a big difference.

I bet! lol... However, the light seeping out on your setup is a no-go for me.

Here is mine.

LetItReef · Feb 24, 2017

reeferfoxx said:
I bet! lol... However, the light seeping out on your setup is a no-go for me.

Here is mine.

Mine as reverse sked on my display- serves as night light too

lakereef · Feb 24, 2017

Add another tank with macro, they are really beautiful in they're own right!

reeferfoxx · Feb 24, 2017

lakereef said:
Add another tank with macro, they are really beautiful in they're own right!

Very nice!

reef-rc · Feb 24, 2017

Here's one you may want to consider HOB option. http://www.finnex.net/index.php/breeder_box

I do not have experience with it. I do have it on order and plan to use this on an upcoming Fluval Evo 13.5 nano.

beaslbob · Feb 24, 2017

NakiFantaki said:
Title pretty much says it all... lol

With the all in one Nuvo 20 gallon I have I don't utilize a sump, I really don't even have the room for one if I wanted anyways. Anyways - I lack the option of having a fuge. I have looked at some of the CPR HOB models but I'm just not sold on having another 1-2 gallons of water hanging off the back of my tank above all my power components.
I want to be able to have the benefit from some macro algae in my tank though and I seem to remember seeing people turn their nuvo caddys into little custom refugiums.
Is there anyway I could just throw some cheato in one of my compartments in the back and put a small light on it? If so what kind of lighting would I need to keep the algae thriving?

Thanks!

Yes.

I would also consider some kind of in tank refugium like a chaeto sandwich on this site or even just a egg crate partition.

What I did on my 55g was just move rock forward and install an egg crate 3" in front of the back glass. Then added 2 4' 2 tube utility/shop light (~8 each +$7 for 2 6500k tubes). macros took off in that area, tangs live grazing on the macro that poked through, smaller fish went through the egg crate to eat pods. Plus nitrates dropped to unmeasureable in 3 weeks and phosphates a few month later. Tank ran for 8 years with no water changes and a heavy bioload.

my .02

Bunnee911 · Feb 24, 2017

reeferfoxx said:
I put a fuge in the back of my aio. Used an inTank media basket and jbj nano glo. Growing chaeto just fine.

Me too.

NakiFantaki · Feb 24, 2017

Is there any type of light that I could totally submerge underwear? I really don't have the room to move the tank and cut back the acrylic [emoji53]

reeferfoxx · Feb 24, 2017

NakiFantaki said:
Is there any type of light that I could totally submerge underwear? I really don't have the room to move the tank and cut back the acrylic [emoji53]

I've tried the cheap ebay submersible led light with the multi-colored LEDS. The controller for that fried in a week. It actually scared the crap out of me because it started smoking. Aside from that, when it did work, my chaeto died.