Im wanting to grow algae

[TaylorLee]

Im wanting to grow algae in my refugium that will benefit my tank and id like to be able to feed it to my fish as well. Can some1 help me out on which I should purchase and what type of lighting I need to keep it alive? Thanks! -Taylor

 

[ritter6788]

Chaeto is the most commonly used and easiest to grow. Cheap to attain.

A shop light from a hardware store with a bulb in the 6500k range works great. This is the bulb I used to use, I'm using an led now but this spiral bulb works great.

 

[jeffm59]

http://live-plants.com/ Excellent source

 

[ddiver]

Easiest IMO would be any kind of caulerpa...certain chaeto strains just doesn't want to grow sometimes.

 

[steamer51]

Caulerpa can cause problems and become an invasive pest if it spreads to your display and becomes established. Not sure how many fish eat it or Chaeto (many macroalgaes are mildly toxic to protect from being eaten) which both grow quickly removing nitrates and phosphates. Gracilaria grows more slowly but is nicer looking IMO and readily eaten by herbivore fish. Some sites sell it specifically as Tang food.