Fertilizing macroalgae

[a4twenty]

Originally Posted by Dale

A question, in order to clarify things, is what is your purpose in having the macro in the first place?

very good question, and if your chaeto isn't growing that fast is it really a bad thing?????? lack of N & P can't be bad.

i would not dose anything to raise N&P that is just counter productive, and i would never dose anything you aren't / can't test for, always ends bad.

what is the red macro for, get rid of it ( unless it is tang delight for future feeding )

don't add caulerpa, it can be nasty and isn't worth the risk.


chaeto likes a lot of flow, move it up and think tumbleweed

[ferret]

Hi a4twenty,

the caulerpa species are over 50 kinds. The most common types you can obtain are normally easy to control and maintain when you really have the experience to plant them. I have over 20 types of marco algae in my fowlr tanks

[Nevin]

Thanks for all the responses. I have the red macro because it is nicer to look at, the urchin likes it and it outcompetes the chaeto so likely good for nutrient export. There isn't much flow, but I'm not sure I want another powerhead to add heat and take up space.

Seems like the best way to go might be just get rid of the urchin. I'll add another fish soon, which will provide some extra fertilizer too.

Regards,
Nevin

[a4twenty]

Originally Posted by ferret

the caulerpa species are over 50 kinds. The most common types you can obtain are normally easy to control and maintain when you really have the experience to plant them. I have over 20 types of marco algae in my fowlr tanks

yes but that is one of the problems, it likes ( not all ) to be planted. meaning you have to disturb the substrate to trim ( so it doesn't go sexual ) or risk releasing toxin ( not all but... ) by trimming in the tank.

Originally Posted by Nevin

Seems like the best way to go might be just get rid of the urchin. I'll add another fish soon, which will provide some extra fertilizer too.

if the macro is being consumed in the tank the nutrients are just being cycled but never actually leave the system. you need to trim and remove the macro to actually export nutrients.