Macro algae in tank?

[saltyc]

I've noticed that I've never seen anyone talk about keeping macro algae in their tanks, only in their sumps/refugiums. Is there a particular reason why not? Not enough current, or what??

 

[Cearbhaill]

I keep halimeda in my display because I think it is pretty

Most times you don't because you don't want it to get too happy and take over. And one of the benefits of running macros in a refugium is your ability to keep it on a reverse light cycle (light on all night and off during the day) to help keep the systems pH stable. You would lose that ability if it were in the same tank.

One of my LFS keeps macros in a collander floating in their displays- most of the benefits and yet easily removed...

 

[Dewey115]

I also have a few macros in my display because I think it adds a more natural look. I dont use the macro for nutrient export though and that is the reason most have them in their sumps or refugium. I just have a little in certain places to make my tank look better (to me at least). Depends I guess on what you want the macro for.

Rick

 

[saltyc]

Thanks, Cearbhaill! maybe one of these days I'll need to test my water in the morning before I turn on the lights to see the diff. Mostly I just test in the evening.

 

[saltyc]

Dewey, I was thinking more of the nutrient export, along with the decorative aspect, since I don't have a sump.
I just figured if it got too overgrown, I can always pull it out & bring it to my LFS for her fish there. She almost always has tangs, and blennies, also.
I don't have much in the way of algae eaters, just hermits, although my mollies will nibble on everything (including me!! tickles!). Most of my fish are pretty omnivorous.

 

[saltyc]

oh, and thanks for the reply!!

 

[Xzibit]

I have tried to keep some macros in my display but they don't last very long because all of the snails, crabs and fish eat them up pretty quickly.

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