Planted Saltwater aquarium

[Thomasflynn15]

I am not really a huge coral person. I have xenia, zoas, mushrooms (Actinodiscus), and other soft weed corals that are pretty maintenance free, but hard corals are not really my thing. I started the hobby with freshwater planted tanks and thought about turning my 75 gallon tank with soft corals into a macroalgae tank. I do want to still keep the soft corals, but just add some foliage to the mix. I already have a HOB fuge with chaeto, but obviously I would like some more ornamental macroalgae in the fold.

What are your recommendations for species? I always wanted caulerpa in my tank but I know there are downsides such as their reproductive mechanism that clouds your water.

 

[Fish Styx]

I am not really a huge coral person. I have xenia, zoas, mushrooms (Actinodiscus), and other soft weed corals that are pretty maintenance free, but hard corals are not really my thing. I started the hobby with freshwater planted tanks and thought about turning my 75 gallon tank with soft corals into a macroalgae tank. I do want to still keep the soft corals, but just add some foliage to the mix. I already have a HOB fuge with chaeto, but obviously I would like some more ornamental macroalgae in the fold.

What are your recommendations for species? I always wanted caulerpa in my tank but I know there are downsides such as their reproductive mechanism that clouds your water.

I really like this idea, and have seen it done with great success by others. I myself have a display refugium next to my DT with a mix of mangroves, macros, and softies.

I will say mangroves (I'm biased), Cualerpa (multiple types), Codium, Hypnea, Ulva, fans, brushes, etc. Keep the Chaeto out of the display, though.

Planted marine tanks, like their FW counterparts, look best with a mix of color and texture. Be sure to include LR and rubble for attachment points for both the softies and macros.

The main issue with cualerpa isn't necessarily clouded water, as that is easily remedied with proper filtration. It is their propensity to reproduce that can spread to a DT and take over, becoming difficult to eradicate. Not a concern for you, given your intent with the system.

 

[Subsea]

Not all Caulerpa is invasive or prone to go sexual.

https://www.live-plants.com/cuppressiodes.htmhttps://www.live-plants.com/racemosa.htm
Check out Live plant free guide

https://www.marineplantbook.com/

 

[vlangel]

I have a macroalgae dominant display. My tank has easy softies and easy LPS too. If you get C cupressoides they are not as prone to going sexual as other caulerpa. I also have ulva, codium, gracilaria hayi and botrycladia. I love the nutrients uptake from the macros plus the movement and lush look is nice.

 

[courtneykeeps]

Welcome to the leafy side of reefing!

I'd say go for the species you like the look of. I personally really like the greens and reds mixed in with the pinks of the corals because I use freshwater lights. I think Botryocladia sp. and Caulerpa racemosa is my favourite.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I really like macroalgae in the display, but folks considering it should keep in mind that it can provide a challenge that tanks without macroalgae do not have, specifically, dealing with pest algae via herbivores.

In a macroalgae tank, folks will either need to use relatively unpalatable macroalgae species (which is a fine way to go), or use something else than herbivores to control problem algae.

 

[vlangel]

I really like macroalgae in the display, but folks considering it should keep in mind that it can provide a challenge that tanks without macroalgae do not have, specifically, dealing with pest algae via herbivores.

In a macroalgae tank, folks will either need to use relatively unpalatable macroalgae species (which is a fine way to go), or use something else than herbivores to control problem algae.

That is somewhat of a challenge but if one can get the macroalgae flourishing first then nuisance algae is generally outcompeted and so isn't as much of a problem. Also there are some ornamental macros that are not desired by herbivore fish like gracilaria hayi and codium. My guess is those are too fibrous for their tastes. I had a tomini tang and still have a Coral Beauty angel, a Midas blenny and a Bicolor blenny that pick at detritus and filamentous algae but never bother any of my ornamental desirable macros. The small red leg and blue leg crabs are also fine. I have tried to keep emerald crabs to control bubble algae but have never had luck with them so I just have to suck bubble algae out with a siphon hose. It's OK, I only need to do it a few times a year.

 

[deltabluefin]

I have a Halimenya red algae (Dragon’s Breath) that has overgrown along with Chaeto in the refugium. I transferred a clump of the Halimenya to the display (to serve as food & and add a really nice pop of red under blue lights). It’s doing well. It took my hippo tang a couple of weeks to realize it’s a food source. My CUC herbivores seem to be ignoring it.

So at the moment I have macroalgae in the DT and refugium.

 

[Elira_6301]

I am not really a huge coral person. I have xenia, zoas, mushrooms (Actinodiscus), and other soft weed corals that are pretty maintenance free, but hard corals are not really my thing. I started the hobby with freshwater planted tanks and thought about turning my 75 gallon tank with soft corals into a macroalgae tank. I do want to still keep the soft corals, but just add some foliage to the mix. I already have a HOB fuge with chaeto, but obviously I would like some more ornamental macroalgae in the fold.

What are your recommendations for species? I always wanted caulerpa in my tank but I know there are downsides such as their reproductive mechanism that clouds your water.

Mine hasn't grown in yet but I have strictly Macroalgae for my seahorse/pipefish tank. It greatly helped with nutrient absorption. Its still very new and I cant wait for the outcome..all the little dots are newly hatched brine. Dont be alarmed.