Macro Algae in display tank

[japicka]

I have been debating putting Red Ogo or Pom Pom Macro Algae in my main display tank for a pop of color, and to have something in there for the Lawnmower Blenny to have to eat on top of other algae in the tank.

Opinions, Warnings, out right NO DON'T DO IT'S!!!

 

[ZachariahBeanzz]

I have been debating putting Red Ogo or Pom Pom Macro Algae in my main display tank for a pop of color, and to have something in there for the Lawnmower Blenny to have to eat on top of other algae in the tank.

Opinions, Warnings, out right NO DON'T DO IT'S!!!

I think if placed right, I would do it. However, I’ve only ever had macro algae in tanks without coral, so I wouldn’t be the best judge. I think it can add a nice texture and color to a tank, but it’s ultimately up to you, and what you think would look best.

 

[619R]

I’ve been trying to do this since I started about a year ago. I haven’t had any luck. My problem was the hermits and snails. They all end up taking a liking to it. But they always munch on the bottom of course. So then you got piece flying around and ugly stubs on the ground and rocks.

I’ve been trying to find out what I could replace snails and hermits with to make it possible.

Just for info, I’ve tried red ogo, Pom Pom, a blue hypnea, and dragons breath. And chaeto of course. They love them all.

So until I can find another option I’ve just been working on making my refugium species plentiful and colorful.

 

[vlangel]

I keep macroalgae in my display and I love it. Not only does it add a pop of color but can be extremely effective in nutrient control. However, it can also get invasive if you are not vigilant about keeping it pruned. Another issue is it can be difficult to keep the more aggressive growers from outcompeting the less aggressive growers. I still think its worth the trouble. Here is my display tank.

 

[MNscoe]

I'd like input/advice on this topic as well. I'm one year into my first 55g mixed reef tank, learning lots, making mistakes, and looking to keep nudging my tank toward healthier baselines. Since I'm on a canister, I struggle with elevated Nitrate (25) and Phosphate (0.2), and someone suggested Macro Algae in the display tank could help a bit. I have 7 small fish including a constantly hungry BT Tang, diverse CUC, some softies and a couple LPS that haven't died yet...

Recommendations for what type of macro algae for in-tank mixed reef that might survive and resist being eaten by tang/CUC?

 

[vlangel]

I'd like input/advice on this topic as well. I'm one year into my first 55g mixed reef tank, learning lots, making mistakes, and looking to keep nudging my tank toward healthier baselines. Since I'm on a canister, I struggle with elevated Nitrate (25) and Phosphate (0.2), and someone suggested Macro Algae in the display tank could help a bit. I have 7 small fish including a constantly hungry BT Tang, diverse CUC, some softies and a couple LPS that haven't died yet...

Recommendations for what type of macro algae for in-tank mixed reef that might survive and resist being eaten by tang/CUC?

The red macroalgae near the top is gracilaria hayi and its a beautiful shade of red and kind of fibrous so most herbivore fish don't eat it. My tomini nor blue eyed kole tangs never bothered it. The one down side of it, is you have to prune it often; weekly or at least every 2 weeks when its flourishing.
Codium is a nice green macroalgae that is more easily controlled but not as effective for nutrient uptake but it does still help.
A mangrove can take up nutrients but requires space and light.
For a mixed reef you may want to consider yellow ball sponges too which take up a lot of nutrients and are pretty easy to keep. KP Aquatics has them along with some macroalgae.

In my opinion your nutrients are not terrible, especially in a mixed reef. If your macroalgae grow well, keep an eye on NO3 and PO4 because they can deplete them fast.

 

[MNscoe]

The red macroalgae near the top is gracilaria hayi and its a beautiful shade of red and kind of fibrous so most herbivore fish don't eat it. My tomini nor blue eyed kole tangs never bothered it. The one down side of it, is you have to prune it often; weekly or at least every 2 weeks when its flourishing.
Codium is a nice green macroalgae that is more easily controlled but not as effective for nutrient uptake but it does still help.
A mangrove can take up nutrients but requires space and light.
For a mixed reef you may want to consider yellow ball sponges too which take up a lot of nutrients and are pretty easy to keep. KP Aquatics has them along with some macroalgae.

In my opinion your nutrients are not terrible, especially in a mixed reef. If your macroalgae grow well, keep an eye on NO3 and PO4 because they can deplete them fast.

This is super helpful @vlangel Thank you!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I'd love to grow macro in my display to get something like vlangel shows, but my cleanup up crew eats everything I've tried. The flip side is that algae (except film on the glass) is not any concern in my display. lol

 

[vlangel]

I'd love to grow macro in my display to get something like vlangel shows, but my cleanup up crew eats everything I've tried. The flip side is that algae (except film on the glass) is not any concern in my display. lol

Ha ha Randy, I would like to get some macroalgae like what was in my 56g column tank to grow in my 75g upgrade too. For some reason I am struggling in this tank and not sure why???