Are macros a good fit for me?

Hey John, got some questions for ya.

1) Are there any macros that would do well under .85 watts per gallon lighting? I'd like to get some macros growing in my mantis tank, but the lighting is really low. This would mostly be for looks, but filtering is appreciated as well.

2) Do you know of, or would consider writing, a good guide for people who may be interested in starting a macro tank, but don't really know anything about maintaining one.

 

What size tank?

Exactly what do you have on there now?

 

Well the tank in question one is a 20 long, with a mantis, a damsel and a mangrove. The mangrove protrudes through the canopy and gets natural sunlight from a north facing window.

Question two was for more of a general guide, I'm considering starting a new tank and making macros a main feature.

 

So your tank gets ambient light only? Or do you have another light on there.

 

I have a light, 17w t8, and some natural sunlight bleeds through the holes in the canopy but not much. The mangrove on the other hand protrudes through the canopy, and gets full sun (as "full" as a north facing window provides).

 

you can probably get away with calcified reds. They generally can handle very little light. I bet you could keep Red Titan for example. We have a few articles like that under the "Information Tab" on our website, you have to scroll down after hovering over it. From there you can find links to species level info.

 

I keep a lot of John's macro. They are very nice indeed. 1/2 of my tanks are pretty low light.

 

wow, i really need to update that site of mine and write more - but this is a good start:
ReefCleaners.org | Clean Up Crews and Macro Algae - Macroalgae Care

Nevermind any fertilization, no place in a hobby tank really except maybe iron at times to pop the color in greens..

Good to hear things are going well incognito..out of curiosity is the pink galaxy still around? I am not sure how long they live

 

Yes, I still have some. The original bunch that was nice and round was crushed. This month has been so stressful with trying to plan and organize the move of 13 tanks. In my volitan tank it's a deep red/burgundy.

 

did it grow hairs on it by any chance? or is it just darker? Sorry for all the questions, I have heard about 3rd and 4th generation plants coming in as variations of the original species. Not just a color thing, a true variation.

13 tanks huh? Never fun... I love rubbermaid stock tanks from Tractor supply co., and sump pumps from harbor freight for that task. They have ac/dc converters there for your car too that will allow you to attach commercial air pumps. That is what I did, it was a short trip, but the tank packing, and plumbing etc.. took so long the livestock was sitting, and I was pretty happy we did it that way. We bagged a lot too. Good luck with the move!