macroalgae: which is best?

[michika]

I'm trying to decide on what type of macro algae to add to my refugium. Currently I have Cheato, but was thinking of adding something else.

I've been looking around and have found both red and lilac macro and am now curious.

What is considered to be the best macro algae? Is one species better overall or should I be going for a mixture of different types?

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

I love the look of red halimenia but its a sometimes finicky macro. If it likes your tank, it'll grow like a weed. If it doesn't, it'll melt away to nothing. Another fuge macro that I really like is Prolifera. Looks like little sword plants.

Anthony

[michika]

Good to know.

Thank you.

Do you know what makes the malimenia finicky? Water quality?

[vanreefer]

red halimenia is a big calcium consumer from what I have heard

[michika]

As in big like a SPS colony?

[vanreefer]

nah... Big like plant
i don't think it has that much of an impact... could be a consideration if there was no ca reactor and you were supplimenting

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

Red halimenia is a soft macroalgae, while green halimeda is a calciferous hard plant.

I found that red halimenia likes to have high iodine levels, because if I didn't supplement iodine regularly, it started to fade. (usually used Lugol's solution)



Here's an old pic of some red halimenia with my little seahorse hanging on.

Anthony

[vanreefer]

I sit corrected

[michika]

Cool!

Thanks guys.

The picture is adorable too!

What kind of growth rate did you see with the red? Any adverse effects?

[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by michika

As in big like a SPS colony?

actualy as in bigger than a SPS colony, it grows fast when the conditions are right and consumes a ton of Ca.

Steve