Macroalgae for my tank

[cstreet11]

Hello everyone . Just got involved in reef 2 reef .
My question is this . I have a stable saltwater tank with various corals . It is thriving . I am trying to create the most healthy biome and wanted to add some macro algae directly to my tank .
Will it harm the tank ? My corals ? Any advice would be greatly appreciated . Posting a pic of the tank .

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Macroalgae can be great in the display tank. The issue is that organisms that eat pest algae may well also eat the decorative algae.

 

[cstreet11]

so then you mean like crabs and shrimp and snails ?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

so then you mean like crabs and shrimp and snails ?

And fish. Tangs love macroalgae, as do many other fish that would control algae in a large tank.

What clean up crew do you currently have?

 

[landlubber]

I suggest thoroughly looking into which macroalgae would suit you best. While they look nice some end up being a challenge to deal with :)

 

[cstreet11]

I suggest thoroughly looking into which macroalgae would suit you best. While they look nice some end up being a challenge to deal with :)

Thank you

 

[cstreet11]

I suggest thoroughly looking into which macroalgae would suit you best. While they look nice some end up being a challenge to deal with :)

Asters snails, nasarius snails , racer snails, peppermint shrimp cleaner shrimp , emerald crabs and on fish , a pajama cardinal

 

[Subsea]

Welcome to r2r. Your tank looks nice. A little red and green would bring in festive Christmas colors.

For red colors, I suggest Bortacladia & Gracilaria Hayi. For green, Caulerpa is an option, that requires pruning to prevent from going sexual.

Check out what diver owner, Russ Kronwetter, of GulfCoast EcoSystems says about seaweed in marine aquariums.

https://www.marineplantbook.com/
Red seaweed options

Botryocladia (Red Grape)​

Rare, but abundant when found, it appears as slightly different species worldwide. Botryocladia is an outstanding specimen that does very well in the marine aquarium. It features stiff, lightly calcified branches with bright red air bladders. It resembles a cluster of grapes and is sometimes referred to as red grape Caulerpa, although it isn’t a species of Caulerpa at all. You will receive at least 2 specimens that are approx 4-6" tall. hayi​ This beautiful species of red gracilaria features a bright red coloration with rigid, irregular shaped lobes that form a tight symmetrical bush. This is one of the most beautiful and hardy species we offer. It grows in protected shallow estuaries that are nutrient rich. Due to its stiff and lightly calcified branches its not known to be very palatable to fish or invertebrates. You will receive 2-3 specimens that are approx 3-4" in diameter.

Green options

Caulerpa cupressioides​

This interesting species of Caulerpa features long, stiff uprights with finger-like clusters of notched blades. It is typically found growing in sea grass beds or shallow water habitats to about 10 ft. This algae prefers sandy substrate, but will attach to rocks and coral fragments. This particular species is not as invasive as others and makes a good addition to a mixed reef aquarium. You will receive a specimen that is 12" in length with 5-6 stalks.

Caulerpa racemosa var. peltata​

A beautiful, hardy, species that does very well in marine aquariums. Rhizoid-bearing rhizomes give rise to small flat topped umbrella shaped uprights. A distinctive variety usually found in low-light habitats under reef ledges and deep water habitats. We collect two varieties, one with rounded caps, the other with flat caps. It will grow in tall strands if given strong bright light and will remain more compact if exposed to a high current and partially shaded habitat. You will receive several portions that are 6-8" long

 

[cstreet11]

Thank you

 

[unclejed]

Hello everyone . Just got involved in reef 2 reef .
My question is this . I have a stable saltwater tank with various corals . It is thriving . I am trying to create the most healthy biome and wanted to add some macro algae directly to my tank .
Will it harm the tank ? My corals ? Any advice would be greatly appreciated . Posting a pic of the tank .

I have read the replies. Halimeda is a real "tough" macro and I have kept it in a tank with many algae eaters that never touched it, well they nipped at it once or twice at the beginning but then left it alone.....

 

[dochoot]

https://www.algaebarn.com/shop/macroalgae/premium/dragons-breath-macroalgae/
I have been really happy with Dragon's Breath. Lots of color.

 

[cstreet11]

I have read the replies. Halimeda is a real "tough" macro and I have kept it in a tank with many algae eaters that never touched it, well they nipped at it once or twice at the beginning but then left it alone.....

Nice thank you

 

[unclejed]

Nice thank you

you are welcome.

 

[jabberwock]

I have been real happy with botryocladia. Any of the green Caluerpas grew really fast. Had to keep mowing the lawn...

 

[Science/G]

Red Gracillaria is a good choice.

 

[vlangel]

I have lots of macroalgae and the tank does great with it.

 

[cstreet11]

I have lots of macroalgae and the tank does great with it.

Do you put it in the sand or does it do well anywhere ?

 

[cstreet11]

I have been real happy with botryocladia. Any of the green Caluerpas grew really fast. Had to keep mowing the lawn...

Thanks . I appreciate that pic . Helps solidify my desire for this in my tank . Looks like a real ocean environment

 

[cstreet11]

https://www.algaebarn.com/shop/macroalgae/premium/dragons-breath-macroalgae/
I have been really happy with Dragon's Breath. Lots of color.

I like this one . Thank you .

 

[bossman818]

This algae is my favorite. Tangs will eat it though. Better looking than some corals lol