malcro algae

powerpoint · 03-13-2005, 04:09 PM

when the lights are on macro algae is good for the tank, so i'm thinking of getting some. However when the lights go out i understand that it decreases the oxygen and PH?

I cant add a refug to my tank (i have a different type of setup, just not feasible for me). I guess i could just add liquid PH buffer to help the PH but i would like to keep it natural, i have apprx3 inches of coral sand (does that help with PH?). Is there a natural solution to keeping the PH and oxygen levels stable at night?

Oyvay · 03-17-2005, 07:34 PM

If you run your skimmer during the night that would oxygenate your water sufficiently to avoid any problems at night. Just be careful about which macro-algae you put in the tank because some of them grow very aggressively and you may be sorry you ever put it in the tank.

Jetholes1 · 04-25-2005, 12:27 PM

I want to indroduce some Macro algae into my new FO setup. Will the addition of a tang or two help keep it under control?

Or should I be very weary about adding it? I was going to get it from what seems to be a reputable source on ebay from his/her refugium. ($7 for several species).

Birdlady · 04-25-2005, 01:09 PM

PowerPoint,

What type of setup do you have? FO? or with corals? If you have stony corals or clams, you will need to add buffer for pH and calcium. If you drip these in during the evening, it helps to stabilize things a bit...need more info tho!

NUHTTY · 04-25-2005, 03:54 PM

It can be really tough to maintain the proper amount of macroalgae in the main tank. Most people do it with a refugium. There are hang-on and mini in-tank refugiums that can be beneficial to your tank.

Jetholes1 · 04-25-2005, 05:46 PM

FO, no corals. I dont have much room for a refugium, even a small one unless it hangs in my display tank. Is there major risk with throwing the macro algae in the tank? Can it get that out of control? I plan to have at least a hippo tang. Here is the link of what I bought for those interested in buying or commenting.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...ME:B:EOAB:US:6

RAVEN · 04-25-2005, 06:48 PM

A hippo tang will not keep your algae under control. I have 1 in my 120 FOWLR and it does not eat any of my macro algae that i put in the tank from my refuge, including the lettuce algae that my purple tang goes nuts for. I had a hippo tang several years ago too, and that one also did not eat my macro algae. You might try some shaving brushes or halemeda as they grow slow and require high calcium levels. Most fish will not eat them as well.
Check out macro_algae.com

Birdlady · 04-25-2005, 07:06 PM

jet,

yes, it can get that out of control. Main problems becomes the holdfasts (root like part) can pierce the coral tissue and kill them. but since you have no corals, no harm there.

It can get unsightly, just be sure to keep pruning it. good luck!

Jetholes1 · 04-26-2005, 05:31 AM

what fish do eat macro algae? just certain tangs? any angels?

RAVEN · 04-26-2005, 10:20 AM

Yellow tangs, Purple tangs, Atlantic blue tangs and Kole tangs are good herbivores and will eat macro algae. The Kole tang and Atlantic blue are prolific algae eaters.
Most other tangs are very good algae eaters, but just not the Hippo tangs from my experience.
There are many fish that eat algae like many of the blennies- lawn mower blennie, sailfin blennie, bicolor and jeweled blennies. Many of the pygmy angels are decent micro algae grazers. I also have a false eye puffer ( canthigaster compressa) that makes quick work of any macro algae in the tank.
A good reference book is the PocketExpert Guide- Marine Fishes by Scott W Michael. Published by Microcosm LTD. and T.F.H. Publications, Inc. It has lots of info on feeding habits, tank size, viability and whether fish are reef safe or not.