Need opinions please guys.....

[Captain Nemo]

Ok so I have decided that I cannot put a fuge under my tank like I wanted, so I want to know if I can put some macro algae in the dt?? Like behind the rock work? Also what types of macro should I look for?? Does color matter?? Thanks guys!!

 

[Tabasco1]

It's an interesting concept. I had definately consider putting some more decorative macro in my dt, just for visual variety. Here is a site I found that sells a good variety of it. I am not sure if it will be as efficient as a fuge full of chaeto, but I am sure it couldn't hurt.

ReefCleaners.org | Clean Up Crews and Macro Algae - Plants/Macroalgae

 

[fsu1dolfan]

Ok so I have decided that I cannot put a fuge under my tank like I wanted, so I want to know if I can put some macro algae in the dt?? Like behind the rock work? Also what types of macro should I look for?? Does color matter?? Thanks guys!!

It can be done but you will have to watch out for it to grow out of control...it also can easily have small pieces attach else where and start to grow. What about a hang on the back fuge?? Also i would use only chaeto...easier to maintain than most!

 

[swannyson7]

I've seen people make boxes out of eggcrateand acrylic to contain chaeto and concealed it behind rockwork. I'd say chaeto is your best bet because it is asexual won't release any absorbed nutrients like most other macros.

 

[fraggardner]

IMO if you do put macro algae in your dt id stick with cheato because it doesnt have roots. When it grows its cells stack end to end like a chain. with caulerpa (kept in fuge) it has roots and will not stay put its roots will go into your rocks and then Can over grow at this point its a real pain to remove. You can take all visible sign of it out and a few weeks later its back i also like halimeda i keep that in my DT it looks nice and doesnt take over

 

[swannyson7]

IMO if you do put macro algae in your dt id stick with cheato because it doesnt have roots. When it grows its cells stack end to end like a chain. with caulerpa (kept in fuge) it has roots and will not stay put its roots will go into your rocks and then Can over grow at this point its a real pain to remove. You can take all visible sign of it out and a few weeks later its back i also like halimeda i keep that in my DT it looks nice and doesnt take over

+1. Chaeto grows in a tight ball and it will also offer a place for your pods to reproduce if you put it in a cage to protect it from fish.

 

[Troylee]

this should answer questions you might have... ahahahahah have fun it's long but super cool....
https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/general-reef-discussions/48650-macro-algae-index.html

 

[fsu1dolfan]

+1. Chaeto grows in a tight ball and it will also offer a place for your pods to reproduce if you put it in a cage to protect it from fish.

Just saying from experience - I have chaeto in my back chamber of my Biocube and little strains have found their way to the display...they will attach to rocks and unless you pull it off right it will always grow back...it's not bad but i do have lots of random chaeto growing in my display that i cant remove because i cant get to it!

 

[swannyson7]

Just saying from experience - I have chaeto in my back chamber of my Biocube and little strains have found their way to the display...they will attach to rocks and unless you pull it off right it will always grow back...it's not bad but i do have lots of random chaeto growing in my display that i cant remove because i cant get to it!

You should try adding something on top of the chamber to contain it. I wouldn't recommend a sponge because it will get clogged up too quick, but a piece of acryluc with a bunch of holed drilled or some eggcrate would probably do the trick without restricting flow.

 

[fsu1dolfan]

You should try adding something on top of the chamber to contain it. I wouldn't recommend a sponge because it will get clogged up too quick, but a piece of acryluc with a bunch of holed drilled or some eggcrate would probably do the trick without restricting flow.

Thanks Swanny -
I actually now have the inTank media rack in the back that has stopped any macros from coming to the front of the tank. Problem is picking off whats already there :tongue:

 

[Wy Renegade]

Chaeto in the sump will also end up in the DT at some point. Selection of the type of macro algae to keep in the DT is extremely important. Personally from personal experience, I would stay away from any of the strains of caleupera; much too prolific for the DT, and much too likely to go sexual on you. Nobody wants their tank to end up looking like this some morning;

 

[Rockadile]

one of the problems with putting chaeto in the dt is it doesnt stay where you put it, itll get sucked into your powerheads blow all over stuck in your overflow. it really becomes a mess.

 

[Captain Nemo]

Ok second question, can I put it into my overflow? There is a good 18 in from the u pipe to the bottom of overflow, also thank you so much for the answers!! So new thoughts??

 

[ficklefins]

Overflow is dangerous because it may clog.

You could get a big hang on the back filer like the larger aquaclear and make it into a refugium with some cheato.

 

[Captain Nemo]

I can't do a hang on anything as the tank is in a corner in our dining room, the overflow has a cover on it and is easily viewable....... So I guess best bet is in the tank itself then.... Hmmmm

 

[Tabasco1]

What about an algae like this Codium? Listing it as "another macro for the dt"

ReefCleaners.org | Clean Up Crews and Macro Algae - Codium (Short)

 

[xmetalfan99]

You can, but it can easily grow out of control. John at reefcleaners.org has a lot of non-invasive algaes that could work well for you.