Macroalgae For Sumps

[pmb_67]

Yep, me again.

Thought I'd ask this Q separate to my other sump-related posts as it might be interesting to other potential sumpers... I have a few basic questions regarding putting macroalgae in a sump:

1) Any species preferences? Caulerpa and Chaeto-something or other seem readily available, and in multiple varieties - do any have any advantage (faster growth, easier to grow, more stable, less prone to breaking up and clogging return pump, needing less light, etc.) over others?

2) What substrate, if any, is required? Do I need "Miracle Mud", or will sand do, or is a bare bottom fine?

3) How much light do I actually need? Various retailers claim the Arcadia Arc Pod will do, but is it powerful enough? So far I'm working on the assumption that lights on 24/7 is the best mode of operation - anyone any alternative suggestions?

4) How often would I need to prune the algae, and by how much? I guess this is a "piece of string" type question but just wondering if there were any guidelines.

5) How much would I need for a 400 litre tank? I don't have much space (about 20 x 20cm max) so would I be better just using a small denitrator unit instead?

Just as an aside, I'm planning on adding a tang or two (yellow, regal) to the main tank once it's up and running - can I feed them the cuttings, or do they only graze on growing macroalgae?

Thanks again!

Paul

 

[SkiFletch]

Chaetomorpha cause it doesnt go "sexual" and release spores into the water like caulerpa. No substrate, do not need powerful lights, even a small flourescent "grow lamp" will suffice. Best to operate it on an opposite lighting cycle of the tank to minimize pH swings. Pruning is easy and as-needed, just rip it with your hands in clumps. Don't need much to get it going.

 

[pmb_67]

Chaetomorpha cause it doesnt go "sexual" and release spores into the water like caulerpa. No substrate, do not need powerful lights, even a small flourescent "grow lamp" will suffice. Best to operate it on an opposite lighting cycle of the tank to minimize pH swings. Pruning is easy and as-needed, just rip it with your hands in clumps. Don't need much to get it going.

Thanks!

Chaeto and an Arc Pod it is then...

Paul

 

[Musho3210]

If you have other reefers near you, you could probably get cheato for free as well since it is so popular. Plus it is meaty compared to caulerpa. Even though caulerpa grows fast, when you take it out and dry it, it is VERY light compared to cheato because most of it is just water.

About once every other week it would be a good practice to "roll" the cheato over, so the bottom can get more light.

I'd add a small layer of sand and some live rock rubble to the sump, its good for the pods.

Mangroves dont export anywhere near as much as cheato and caulerpa, but it is much more asthetically pleasing if your refugium is out in the open, (think mini bonsai tree growing in your fuge). They need more light though.