Which macroalgae is best?

[John A!10]

So I have a 29 gallon tank plus 10 gallon sump. I have a refugium, and for lighting I will be using a spare current USA orbit marine that i have. I was wondering which algae I should get. I don’t think chaeto as it doesn’t have enough flow, but I am leaning towards the green grape.

 

[lapin]

Ulva grows well. Most types sold will float which can be a problem as it can clog your pump if not kept in its place.

 

[Spare time]

I would avoid caulerpa as it makes a mess (at least from my opinion). Some species of caulerpa give them a bad name for spreading and reproducing seuxally but I have never seen that happen with the caulerpa I've worked with. Chaeto works well if it tumbles (I use a simple pump for that). Gracilaria is pretty nice if you have a decent amount. Monkey finger is also decent.

 

[John A!10]

Ulva grows well. Most types sold will float which can be a problem as it can clog your pump if not kept in its place.

That can be a problem.

 

[John A!10]

Any experience with the green grape algae.

 

[Spare time]

Any experience with the green grape algae.

I have seen it but never kept it for a super long time.

 

[John A!10]

I have seen it but never kept it for a super long time.

Did it die off?

 

[John A!10]

So would you recommend sea lettuce. Is rapid flow necessary for chaeto? I have some flow, the one passing through the sump. No extra flow

 

[Spare time]

Did it die off?

No

 

[Spare time]

So would you recommend sea lettuce. Is rapid flow necessary for chaeto? I have some flow, the one passing through the sump. No extra flow

rapid flow isn't necessary for chaeto, it is just a good idea to have it spin so all of it gets light. Ulva is the best at lowering waste according to algaebarn but make sure you don't break it up as it can become messy too. I have had ulva before.

 

[Mr_Knightley]

Any experience with the green grape algae.

I have good experience with a type of caulerpa (C. racemosa) Which is also called green grape algae, if that is what you mean. I grows incredibly well under very low & very high light, never reproduces sexually, and is very attractive. I would recommend it!

 

[John A!10]

I have good experience with a type of caulerpa (C. racemosa) Which is also called green grape algae, if that is what you mean. I grows incredibly well under very low & very high light, never reproduces sexually, and is very attractive. I would recommend it!

That’s the one.

 

[jeffchapok]

My little homemade refugium won't grow chaeto -- it just rots away. But I had one tiny leaf of dragon's breath left (my snails ate it all in my DT), and after being in the refugium for maybe 2 months, here's what it looks like now.