Thoughts and recommendations please

[Weasel1960]

Hello. Been on R2R awhile and doing my homework and planning before my one and only build. Due to limited space I need to maximize the use of my stand for sump, ATO supply, controls, drawers, test kits, etc. Therefore my sump will need to be on the smallish side. Plan on doing a refugium but am also considering adding some of the more decorative macros to the main display with corals and fish. Have some questions...
1. What are your experiences, pros and cons
2. How do corals with stinging tentacles react the macros
3. How do you trim planted macros, uproot/trim/replant, or trim in place. What do you use
4. Edible varieties for fish are ok either providing as treats from one tank to another or allowing the fish to graze. Suggestions for types of macros and fish
5. Inverts to stay away from
6. Any and all tips, tricks, experiences greatfully appreciated.

 

[bark1ngspider]

Tangs will always appreciate some in the display...I’ve only put some red dragon in the display of my pico and it worked quite well just have good flow....for inverts I’d stay away from starfish, harlequin shrimp and any invert that only eats one type of parasite

 

[Weasel1960]

Tangs will always appreciate some in the display...I’ve only put some red dragon in the display of my pico and it worked quite well just have good flow....for inverts I’d stay away from starfish, harlequin shrimp and any invert that only eats one type of parasite

Thanks for the response. Red Dragon is on my list.

 

[TexanCanuck]

I keep Red Ogo in my DT, but my tangs eat it faster than it grows ... so unless you are planning on re-stocking frequently, stick to Dragon Tongue or Pom Pom (the Tangs will nip at them occasionally but otherwise leave it alone).

All of the red-colored macros will grow much slower than green, so trimming isn't a big chore. In my tank, I trim them in place using curved scissors (made for freshwater planted tanks).

The bigger issue is getting the macros to stay put. I ended up using Superglue (there is an aquarium-friendly version called Flourish Glue made by Seachem) and glued them to a small rock.

Here's a good reference to different macros and lists growth rates, ability to export nutrients, and palatability to fish:

Marine Plants In The Aquarium: An online guide to the identification and care of marine plants and macroalgae in the aquarium.

An online guide to the identification and care of marine plants and macroalgae in the aquarium.

www.marineplantbook.com

 

[Weasel1960]

I keep Red Ogo in my DT, but my tangs eat it faster than it grows ... so unless you are planning on re-stocking frequently, stick to Dragon Tongue or Pom Pom (the Tangs will nip at them occasionally but otherwise leave it alone).

All of the red-colored macros will grow much slower than green, so trimming isn't a big chore. In my tank, I trim them in place using curved scissors (made for freshwater planted tanks).

The bigger issue is getting the macros to stay put. I ended up using Superglue (there is an aquarium-friendly version called Flourish Glue made by Seachem) and glued them to a small rock.

Here's a good reference to different macros and lists growth rates, ability to export nutrients, and palatability to fish:

Marine Plants In The Aquarium: An online guide to the identification and care of marine plants and macroalgae in the aquarium.

An online guide to the identification and care of marine plants and macroalgae in the aquarium.

www.marineplantbook.com

Thanks for the reply. Have already seen that web page and saved it to favorites. Is you scissors metal, assuming stainless steel, and reef compatible?

I kind of want to do mix of green and red to cover the export and edible aspects as well as aesthetics for other color and texture in the tank.