manbetx3.0最新How Macroalgae Benefits Coral

Many hobbyists are constantly looking for ways to increase the health and vitality of their corals.There are many obvious ways to achieve better coloration and more prominent polyp extension, such asproper lighting, flow, and water chemistry.manbetx3.0最新Macroalgae can solve many issues.It is widely used in the hobby, but only some know its specific advantages to corals.manbetx3.0最新In this article, we will discuss how macroalgae can benefit corals!

Stabilizing pH

In a reef aquarium, the pH is naturally higher during the day and lower at night.manbetx3.0最新This phenomenon occurs because corals and algae consume CO2 for photosynthesis, leading to less CO2 and higher pH when the lights are on.manbetx3.0最新At night, the fish generate CO2, but the corals and algae aren't consuming it because they are not photosynthesizing.The corals are breathing as well, contributing to more CO2.

Why does this matter?Corals require elevated levels ofpHto grow.When the water is too acidic (low pH), the corals won't grow.Your corals will still grow if the pH is depressed at night as long as it isn't too low.However, having fewer pH fluctuations between night and day will make your corals less stressed and happier.Don't get the wrong idea about this, though.Having lower pH at night won't dramatically stress out your corals in most cases.It is competently acceptable to have lower pH at night.Although, if you are trying to make your corals as happy as possible, more stability is better.

manbetx3.0最新How does macroalgae help you get more stability with your pH?As we established, the pH is naturally lower because corals aren't consuming CO2 at night.manbetx3.0最新If you have a refugium in your sump or as a separate tank, you can limit the amount of CO2 at night using macroalgae.manbetx3.0最新If you run your refugium light opposite your display light (reverse photoperiod), the macroalgae will consume CO2 at night while the corals aren't photosynthesizing.This will lead to more stable levels of pH between the night and day.You don't have to run a reverse photoperiod for your refugium if you don't want to, but you can if you want to increase the pH levels at night.

manbetx3.0最新Macroalgae can also increase your pH levels overall.manbetx3.0最新Macroalgae is an excellent way to boost your pH if you want to use something other than kalkwasser.If this sounds like what you want, running a more extended photoperiod might make sense.Some hobbyists have their refugium light on for 24 hours every day.

Lowering nutrient levels

manbetx3.0最新Most hobbyists want macroalgae to lower their nutrient levels.manbetx3.0最新Macroalgae works the same way microalgae (nuisance algae) does, but it is more manageable.manbetx3.0最新It won't smother your corals the way hair algae will.You can also keep it maintained in a separate area like a refugium.manbetx3.0最新However, it will consume nutrients the same way microalgae does.We could spend another article discussing nutrients, but most hobbyists understand why high nutrients are harmful.

High nutrients can slow coral growth and even cause them to die.manbetx3.0最新Much before that happens, you will likely see explosive algae growth.manbetx3.0最新The microalgae can cover and smoother your corals.manbetx3.0最新Macroalgae prevent this by directly competing with the microalgae for resources.manbetx3.0最新Also, by growing your macroalgae in a refugium, you can provide it with moreideal lightingmanbetx3.0最新conditions, giving it an advantage over the algae growing in your display.

Less algal growth in your display tank benefits your corals for apparent reasons.manbetx3.0最新If you have an algae problem, adding a refugium with macroalgae to your tank can slow the growth.manbetx3.0最新Then, when you remove the nuisance algae, the macroalgae can prevent further growth.

manbetx3.0最新Macroalgae helps to remove silicates and toxins

manbetx3.0最新Macroalgae remove more than just nitrates andphosphates.It can remove silicates and metals as well.Silicates are typically an issue for those with a newly set up tank or those with poor RO water.manbetx3.0最新Silicates can contribute to algae growth similarly to nitrates and phosphate.Therefore, you should try to limit silicates in the water.The primary way to do this is with a RODI unit.manbetx3.0最新However, silicates can still enter anyway, which is why macroalgae are helpful.

Other toxins can get into the water, such as copper.Having heavy metals is rarely a significant issue for most aquariums.However, they can cause lots of problems if they become too concentrated.manbetx3.0最新The first thing you will see with lots of heavy metals is algae growth.If the heavy metals become overly concentrated, your corals may bleach, but this is rarely an issue.manbetx3.0最新Macroalgae can consume contaminants such as iron and copper.

manbetx3.0最新Less heavy metals in your water will significantly benefit your corals by reducing microalgae growth and making the water cleaner overall.manbetx3.0最新Adding macroalgae can reduce or eliminate heavy metals and silicates in your water.

manbetx3.0最新Copepods love macroalgae

manbetx3.0最新We discussed the main benefits macroalgae provides for corals, though there is another indirect benefit.manbetx3.0最新Macroalgae is an excellent habitat for copepods and other microcrustaceans such as amphipods.Copepods offer several benefits to your corals.manbetx3.0最新First, they help maintain nuisance algae.They can also assist with a diatom outbreak.Second, they will eatdetritusin the aquarium, which results in less detritus that can rest on your corals.Lastly and most importantly, copepods are an excellent food source for corals.As the copepods dart around in the water column or on the rocks, they will make their way near corals, allowing the corals to capture and eat them.

manbetx3.0最新Of course, you can keep copepods without macroalgae, but macroalgae is an excellent place for them to breed.

manbetx3.0最新You can use macroalgae for many different things, including improving the health of your corals.manbetx3.0最新Keeping macroalgae in a refugium can remove nutrients, silicates, and even heavy metals from the water.manbetx3.0最新This will help with overall water cleanliness and limit algae growth.manbetx3.0最新Macroalgae also help stabilize pH at night if used on a reverse photoperiod.If you want, you can use it to raise the pH level overall.Finally, macroalga is an excellent habitat for copepods, which are a perfect food course for corals.manbetx3.0最新If you want some macroalgae for your aquarium, look no further than AlgaeBarn for all your refugium needs!