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Mixed Macros in the Planted Refugium

byKenneth Wingerter

manbetx3.0最新Macroalgaes are the Natural Way to Keep a Marine Ecosystem Clean!There are plenty of reasons to install a planted refugium into your reef aquarium system.manbetx3.0最新You might culture macroalgae for numerous purposes including removing excess nutrients, growing a live food for herbivores, creating pod microhabitat, or just for simple enjoyment.Some macros are better suited for some of these purposes than for others.Therefore, if you keep a planted ‘fuge for multiple uses, then it may be best to use somecombinationof macroalgal species (mixed macros!).

We here present a few possibilities for macroalgal "multi-tasking." This is by no means the extent to which you can incorporate several species in your marine garden to best accomplish a particular goal.For example, in some cases, you might choose to utilize three or four species.You might even fine tune your crop by finding the ideal proportional size of each species in the garden.You might add and/or remove different species as current conditions in the tank demand.And so on!

The nutrient sponge

Both chaeto (Chaetomorpha linum) andsea lettuce(Ulva lactuca) are known to be very fast growers and, therefore, excellent choices of macro for nutrient sequestration.Of course, both of these are chlorophytes (e.g.manbetx3.0最新green algae) and therefore require intense lighting!unless they receive the powerful light energy required for fast growth, they will grow much more slowly or even die off.Simple as that!

If grown under a strong light (such as theKessil H160 Refugium Light), both chaeto and sea lettuce thrive.Sea lettucein particular can grow at spectacularly high rates, especially in nutrient-rich environments.

This particular combo allows for maximal nutrient removal in eutrophic (i.e.high-nutrient) environments.Specifically, the sea lettuce can respond quickly and intensely to elevated concentrations ofnitrate and phosphate, proliferating rapidly.However, the presence of the loose, wiry chaeto in the bed helps to keep the soft, fan-shaped blades of sea lettuce from packing against each other and/or the outlet drains.It also allows for overall higher rates ofwater flow, which increases for higher turnover through the ‘fuge and potentially more efficient nutrient sequestration.

As it happens, the physical environment this creates makes an excellent habitat forharpacticoid copepodsand other small benthic microcrustaceans!

The mixed salad

Especially where dissolvednutrient levelsare near desired levels, and the tank houses obligately herbivorous fishes and inverts such tangs, large angelfish, batfish, rabbitfish, sea urchins, certain crab species, etc., it is advantageous to grow edible macros.The best types for this purpose are not only wholesome and devoid of allelopathic (i.e.noxious or toxic) compounds but are also soft (i.e.easy to chew to swallow).Some of the most nutritious and delicious soft macros are sea lettuce and red ogo (Gracilaria parvispora).

manbetx3.0最新a beautiful red macroalgaeSea lettuce and red ogo are both fairly easy to grow.Also, they are both relatively simple to harvest, as they grow in small clumps that can effortlessly be picked from the algal mass for use as a high-quality live food for larger herbivores.manbetx3.0最新Clumps can be dropped right into the tank (some large fishes, for instance, can suck them up as is) or attached to an algae clip.

The great thing with this set of mixed macros (being asUlvais a chlorophyte andGracilariamanbetx3.0最新is a rhodophyte (red algae)) is that each of the two species has its own nutritional benefits.So, used together, they present a more varied diet.For example, sea lettuce is a great source of vitamins from group B (e.g.cobalamin and vitamin B12) whereas ogo is a great source of iodine and bromine.Each boasts its own distinct set of healthfulcarotenoids.

Sure, herbivores can be incredibly finicky about their foods.If you find that most of your herbivores prefer one type, you can offer the other type first–while they're most hungry and most likely to accept the unfavored alternative.This practice helps to ensure that all herbivores are enjoying a reasonably balanced diet.

Easy on the eyes

manbetx3.0最新The Ultimate Macro Pack from AlgaeBarnHobbyists who have gained good control over their water quality can relax a bit and enjoy the moreornamental varietiesmanbetx3.0最新of macroalgae.Those with low-to-moderate nutrient levels and intenserefugium lightinghave the enviable option of cultivating some of the most beautiful seaweeds such as dragon's breath (Halymenia dilitata) and blue hypnea (Hypnea pannosa).Such is a ‘fuge worthy of showing off alongside the main tank!

When displaying ornamental mixed macros, any number of species will do.But the more the merrier!This is especially so when species are selected to complement each other's shapes and colors.Take for example dragon's breath and blue hypnea.The former is velvety red and leafy, while the latter is iridescent blue and lacy.When set closely beside each other, each stands out even more boldly and beautifully.

Both species naturally inhabit rocky subtidal environments (withHypneapreferring slightly shallower waters thanHalymenia).SinceHypnearequires slightly stronger light, one could build a rubblyrefugium bottom, withHypneaat the tops of the rocks andHalymeniabetween them on the bottom.The dash of green provided by a mangrove might make the display even more visually pleasing!

Mixed reasons for mixed macros

Again, the above suggestions present just a few of many, many possible examples of ways aquarists can make good use out of mixed macroalgal beds.With a decent understanding of the basic requirements and benefits of each macro species, anyone can build a planted refugium and sea garden that suits their own unique needs!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  12. pumas0511says

    Thanks for the article.I learn so much here, and I am using all this information to create a successful reef tank.

    Reply

  35. Stephen Holmessays

    I love the idea of a mix of macros but how do you light sea lettuce which likes the surface and chaeto which sinks?

    Reply

  36. Stephen Holmessays

    I love the idea of multiple macros, but how do you light them?Sea lettuce seems to like floating and chaeto sinks.Possible with 1 light?

    Reply

  64. Chad Whitmiresays

    Best way to go in my opinion.A refugium with natural filtration.manbetx3.0最新Algae Barn has great information and great products.

    Reply

  67. Andrewsays

    manbetx3.0最新I think this is something I want to include in the near future to have an assortment of macro algae in my refugium.

    Reply

  77. Fabian Nogglesays

    manbetx3.0最新dragons breath is expensive locally and stores claim it is ultra rare and the reason for the price, this expense is why i dont use it but at the same time i have cheato and it hasnt grown in 6 months but my algae scrubber grows like crazy and has to be harvested every 7 to 14 days

    Reply

  85. Leighla Wolfsays

    It's important to consider lighting for mixed macros.Red macros and green macros react differently depending on light source so having a full spectrum light would definitely be something to consider.

    Reply

  88. Donsays

    I have a yellow tang in my Reef/Tank and grow sea lettuce, red Ogo and Chaeto in my refugium with Chaeto divided by egg crate from the Sea lettuce and ogo My tang loves a clip of the red lettuce daily and it's fun to watch how happy she is.
    It's a win-win having a refugium that keeps my Phosphates, Nitrates and PH stable + renewable free food!

    Reply

  105. Billy Smithsays

    I just ordered a refugium kit this week.I've already added an egg rate baffle to keep my macros from flowing over into my return pump.I'm so READY!How long does shipping usually take?I'm going to mix chaeto, sea lettuce, and red ogo.I'm sure I'll have to keep it from overcrowding.Good thing I can feed it to my tangs.I'm just a few weeks in on my first marine tank.Looking forward to reading more of the blogs and ordering more products!!!

    Reply

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