How to put Macroalgae in the tank

[Anna K]

Hello,

This will be a few dumb questions - but I can't seem to find the answer anywhere.

Let's say you're wanting to add a bit of flare to your main tank and ordered some macroalgae for it. I've watched videos of people planting their macro in the tank, but what their planting is already coming from an established tank. I'm talking fresh macro from UPS.

Here are my questions;
1. Do you temp regulate like you would a coral/fish?
2. Do you wash it off with fresh saltwater before adding into the display?
2a. If you don't wash it off, will the color disperse into the tank and cause an issue when you're trying to plant it?
2b. I saw someone just take it from the bag to their tank, and it was some sort of red algae, and their tank just EXPLODED with red color and I don't know if that's what's supposed to happen or not
3. I know some super glue will melt macroalgae, is it best to just avoid glue all together?

TIA for anyone who answers these burning questions I have.

 

[twentyleagues]

If the macro is healthy you should not get a color "explosion" or any coming off the macro. I have super glued it to rock and planted it in sand. Some macro grows a root structure that will adhere to substrate some does not. Sounds like you are going for a red type. Do you know which one? I have found that dragons breath does not like superglue so taking a small piece of rock and rubber banding the macro to it works well. Dragons breath ( forget scientific name) does not grow a typical root structure (that is easily seen) but will adhere to rock surfaces eventually. In salt water it is a good idea to acclimate everything. With macros I typically float the bag in the sump or tank open with the top clipped to the rim or tank top and add about a 1/3-1/2 cup of water from the tank over about 20 min to help it get accustomed to the parameters. You can always test the parameters of the bag water to see what and how far off it is from yours, alk and sg will be the biggest worries to check for, nitrate and phosphate will not matter, and you float the bag in your tank for temp.

 

[Anna K]

Dragons breath ( forget scientific name) does not grow a typical root structure (that is easily seen) but will adhere to rock surfaces eventually.

That is one that I did get. It was delivered to the wrong address earlier this week, but the guy is sending me another one this upcoming week, and I just wanted to be prepared.

 

[twentyleagues]

That is one that I did get. It was delivered to the wrong address earlier this week, but the guy is sending me another one this upcoming week, and I just wanted to be prepared.

Cool its one of my favorites. Just rubber band it to a small piece of rock not to tightly just enough to hold it in place and put that rock where you want it. Dont put it in the nuclear zone of light it can handle quite a bit but will need to be acclimated to very high lighting. It seems to do pretty well and maintain good coloration with anything from 75-150 par, I have seen it in higher par also but I would be careful of that. Also try to keep the flow on the lower side at least for a couple weeks as it attaches to the rock. if its going in a spot the isnt to high of flow or blasted with the power of 100 suns it should be fine. Most fish will leave it alone but snails and some crabs will go after it whether to tick you off or actually eat it I am unsure.