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FAQs about Red Algae/Rhodophyte Selection Related Articles: Red Algae in General, Coralline
Marine Algae, Avoiding
Algae Problems in Marine System,
Algae Control, Marine
Maintenance, Marine Scavengers, Snails,
Hermit Crabs,
Mithrax/Emerald
Green Crabs, Sea Urchins, Blennies,
Algae Filters, Ctenochaetus/Bristle
Mouth Tangs, Zebrasoma/Sailfin Tangs, Skimmers,
Skimmer Selection, Marine
Algae, Coralline
Algae, Green Algae, Brown
Algae, Blue-Green
"Algae"/(Cyanobacteria), Diatoms,
Brown Algae, Algae as Food,
Related FAQs: Red Algae 1,
Red Algae 2, Red
Algae 3, Red
Algae in General,
Red Algae 2, Red
Algae 3, Red Algae Identification,
Red Algae Behavior,
Red
Algae Compatibility, Red Algae Systems,
Red
Algae Nutrition, Red Algae Disease,
Red Algae
Reproduction/Propagation,
Coralline Algae,
Marine Macro-Algae, Use in
Aquariums, Algae as Food, Marine Algae ID 1, Marine
Algae ID 2, Marine Algae Control FAQs II,
Marine Algaecide Use, Nutrient
Limitation, Marine Algae Eaters, Culturing
Macro-Algae; Controlling: BGA/Cyano,
Red/Encrusting Algae, Green
Algae, Brown/Diatom Algae,
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www.ipsf.com
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Is Gracilaria curtissae safe in my refugium?
Yes! - 6/21/08
Hey Crew,
<Hi there, Lynn here this morning.>
I've recently added a sump with a refugium to my 65 gallon reef setup.
<Excellent>
The sump has a SWC protein skimmer and I'm also running 2 Phosban reactors, one
with carbon and the other with Phos-lock. In the refugium section, I've added a
DSB and some live rock along with some Chaetomorpha and Gracilaria curtissae,
<One will likely out-compete the other and take over.>
..keeping it lit at night (24" power compact) while the display’s lights are
off. After much reading about the risk of certain algae releasing toxins if the
"go sexual", I was not sure if the Gracilaria curtissae was at risk of doing
this.
<Nope, no worries regarding noxious events with this macroalgae.>
Also, do you have any recommendations of what you would add that would be
beneficial?
<I wouldn’t add any additional macroalgae. If you mean fauna, this is one of
those “If you build it, they will come” situations. Once the Chaeto/Gracilaria
gets going, various pods, feather dusters, sponges (likely Syconoid), etc, will
start appearing and populating the fuge. If you’re adding the refugium/sump to
an already fairly mature tank, then this process shouldn’t take very long at
all. If you want to give it a kick-start however, or have a fairly new system,
there are various refugium packages that you can purchase online. Two such
companies that supply these are IPSF (Indo-Pacific Sea Farms) and Arizona
Aquaculture Solutions. I’ve ordered from both of these companies with good
results. These packages contain a variety of fauna, including various
mini-Brittlestars, amphipods, grazing snails, beneficial worms, etc. Just make
sure that you don’t add any predatory hermits, crabs, and shrimps to the fuge.
For more information on refugiums, please see WWM starting here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/refugium1.htm. Another excellent source is Bob
and Anthony Calfo’s Reef Invertebrates book. Please let me know if you have any
additional questions. Take care, -Lynn>
Will this red
macro algae be good for nutrient export ? 2/3/08
Hello. I've tried Chaeto in my sump twice, and it didn't do well and
ended up dying. I think it's because there is too little flow in
the very small section I have in my sump where I placed it. I decided to
pile up some rock rubble in that section to try to have a predator-free
zone for pod reproduction. Do I need to light the sump just for the
pods?
<Mmm, no>
(I'm guessing no). In my display, I have red macro algae that popped up
on my live rock. (see attached pictures).
<Very nice>
I set up my tank in May, and in July, the red macro algae didn't even
exist yet. The attached picture is from November. I love this red macro
algae and think it is really pretty, and grows pretty fast. I have to
trim it down by about 50%, every two weeks or so. Is this macro algae
good for nutrient export like Chaeto ??
<Yes, and obviously doing so, growing so vigorously, in your setting.
Cheers, Bob Fenner>
Thanks!
Pam
Great. Thanks Bob!
Pam
<Welcome Pam... Tis a beauty> |
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Feed 'em or 'let em go???
I'm a newbie learning the ropes and finding your site was priceless. (maybe
you should do MasterCard commercial....) You guys are awesome
for all you do! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! (should I suck
up some more?)
<"Everywhere you want to be">
We are building a reef. 55g w/ 88lbs live rock and
a 10gal overhead refugium. I'll spare you the rest of the
peripherals and get right to my ???'s. In the refugium I have
an 8lb live rock which has lots of barnacles. When we first
bought the rock it was covered with waving cirri. Now there are
many dead cirri floating around. Inevitably they are dying from
a lack of phytoplankton. They are, however, reproducing as
we've seen many cyprid larvae running around. "What the
hell is your ?" (You asked that at just the right time!) Is
it worth trying to feed these and save them or not?
<Leave them be to be blown into the tank, consumed or no>
I found a post, regarding DT brand liquid
phytoplankton, suggesting that this brand had appropriate size particles. I
could shut down the 'fuge flow for a short time and feed them, so as not
pollute the display. I feel responsible to try and support them
since I bought them (in a round about way).
<There is sufficient foodstuff/s being produced endogenously. I might
try a micro-green algae culture as an experiment, but not an ongoing
process>
Second ?.... I attached a photo of a plant also growing on this rock.... I'm
guessing that it is in the Rhodophyta family, but haven't been able to
find a photo exactly matching it.... Is this a good plant to
leaving growing for nutrient export? Thanks again! Brad
<Does look like Gracilaria sp. I would definitely try to retain this, feed
some off if it gets to be overgrown only. Bob Fenner> |
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Marine operation/maintenance and red algae
I'm a newbie learning the ropes and finding your site was priceless. (maybe
you should do MasterCard commercial....) You guys are awesome for all
you do! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! (should I suck up some
more?)
<Please no more! We all do this because we love the hobby. It
is sincerely our pleasure!>
We are building a reef. Going very slow! A little over
three weeks into it and tank has cycled and Coralline is coming on STRONG! Only
thing we've added is 6 Turbo Snails. Refraining from adding creatures
is HARD, but know (thanks to you guys!) that patience will insure success. We
want to continue research and have a complete livestock list and a clear plan of
attack rather than randomly adding things... It is a 55g w/ 88lbs live rock and
a 10gal overhead refugium. I'll spare you the rest of the peripherals
and get right to my ???'s.
<That sounds like a lot of rock! Is there any room left for
animals<g>? It sounds like things are coming along nicely, and
Kudos for your patience!>
In the refugium I have an 8lb live rock which has lots of barnacles. When
we first bought the rock it was covered with waving cirri. I have
since seen many dead cirri floating around. Inevitably they are dying
from a lack of phytoplankton?
<Phytoplankton or other suitable food. These animals typically are
not long term aquarium survivors.>
They are, however, reproducing as we've seen many cyprid larvae running around. "What
the hell is your ?" (You asked that at just the right time!) Is
it worth trying to feed these and save them or not? I found a post, regarding
DT brand liquid phytoplankton, suggesting that this brand had appropriate size
particles. I could shut down the 'fuge flow for a short time and feed
them, so as not pollute the display. I feel responsible to try and
support them since I bought them (in a round about way).
<DT's will provide food for many larval organisms, and if you wish to use it
you will likely see some benefits. No matter what you do, it is
unlikely that you will grow anything but amphipods, copepods and mysids to
maturity. Because of long pelagic larval stages, most other critters
will be killed or eaten before they can "grow up". DT's
will simply make them more nutritious food items for your corals and fish!>
Second ?.... I attached a photo of a plant also growing on this rock.... I'm
guessing that it is in the Rhodophyta family, but haven't been able to find a
photo exactly matching it.... Is this a good plant to leaving growing
for nutrient export? Lastly, I would like to add some additional
snails to help keep microalgae in check (still researching what we want for
macroalgae). Can we add these without quarantine since there's
nothing else in the tank? Thanks again! Brad
<Your algae is too small to be sure, but it is most likely Gracilaria. It
has the advantage of being great food for herbivorous fish, but is relatively
slow growing compared to Chaetomorpha or Caulerpa. You can add the
snails without quarantine, but if you wish to follow a strict protocol in the
future, you must wait several weeks before making any other additions. Best
Regards. Adam>
Gracilaria in the sump
Greetings Gents!
<< Blundell today. >>
I have a miracle mud system that has been running for about 1.5 years. Things
are doing well, and the sump is filled with Caulerpa. I am trying to grow SPS
and think it is time for a change. I am going to attempt to replace the
Caulerpa with Gracilaria, (Tang Heaven) which I purchased a ½ pound from
IPSF.com. Do you think this is a wise choice? << Pricey stuff, but good stuff.
>> Are there any precautions or procedures that I should take when replacing
the Caulerpa? I am thinking that I need to have the Gracilaria grow for a few
weeks and slowly remove the Caulerpa in small daily bunches. << Sounds great.
Gracilaria is not nearly as easy to grow, so it may be tough getting it
established. >> Any advice would be kindly appreciated.
<< Blundell >>
Tap water Rinse for Aiptasia? Another Infestation of Aiptasia after
Buying Gracilaria - QT!
Dear Crew,
<Paul>
After receiving in the mail, a half-pound of beautiful Gracilaria parvispora infested with
Aiptasia, I am at a loss as to what to do with it. Currently, it is isolated in a bucket of saltwater with lighting and aeration but the
vendor does not seem to want it back. Is it possible to completely kill the Aiptasia and its larvae by soaking the
Gracilaria for several minutes with chlorinated tap water?
<Mmm, no>
I don't want to contaminate my aquariums but I hate to simply throw out the Gracilaria.
Thanks,
Paul
<I would go the route of using a purposeful Glass Anemone predator with this red algae, while still keeping it separate from your other systems. These Aiptasia-eaters are listed on WWM. Bob Fenner>
Nitrification/Denitrification and Chaetomorpha linum 8/1/05
Thank you so much for such a prompt reply.
<<Glad to help>>
I have had a really good look around your site, and I'm still
struggling to find a few more answers, so I really hope you don't mind
me asking just a few more questions.
With the cycling process in a aquarium without a wet/dry filter, where
does the ammonia and nitrite conversion take place exactly. The reason
I ask, is because I have always previously understood, that the
bacteria required to perform this conversion only survives in aerobic
conditions. With no wet/dry, there are no true areas where oxygen is
constantly present, so where does the ammonia/nitrite/nitrate
conversion take place. (or have I totally missed something?)
I'm "guessing" that it all happens with bacteria present in the live
rock/sand, but all I have read about DSB's and live rock is its
ability to convert nitrates back to nitrogen because of the "good"
bacteria living in the anaerobic conditions. <<Good guess. There are
two processes to consider. The nitrification process is an aerobic
process where the waste is oxidized. The denitrification process is
an anaerobic process where the waste is reduced. The aerobic process
occurs on the surface of the rock as well as the sand bed. The
anaerobic process occurs deep in the sand bed as well as in deep pores
in the rock.>> I'd really appreciate it if you could clarify this for me.
<<Hope this clears things up for you.>>
(I really do apologize if this
question/query has been asked before, but I've had a good look around
and still cant find the answer - thank you! :)..)
Just going on from the Chaetomorpha question, the main reason I asked
if it existed on all coral reefs, is because I was wondering if it
could potentially be harvested here off the coast of Australia. There
is a store in Western Australia who would be prepared to look for it,
IF they knew it existed (as they at the moment they only harvest
Caulerpa for refugium applications)<< I found an internet site
that indicates that C. linum is found in the Indian Ocean and in
particular mentions Australia as part of the distribution. Please see
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/getent?2833 >>
Thank you once again.
Paul
<< You're welcome. Cheers - Ted >>
Thank you once again Ted, that clarifies a lot - and thanks for the
link re: Chaetomorpha.
<<You're welcome. Glad things are bit clearer.>>
I'll try and refrain from anymore questions for the time being - but no doubt
once I finally have my tank up and running, I'll have a multitude!
Paul
<<No worries. Good luck and don't hesitate to ask questions. Cheers - Ted>>
Tangs eating Fauchea 8/29/05
Hi,
I have been trying to grow Gracilaria with very limited success for our
Tangs. They are very picky (spoiled) and only really like the Red Gracilaria or
Green/Red pressed seaweed selects. Unless they are hungry, they won't touch
Ulva or some of the Gracilaria. I was given a little piece of Fauchea for the
sump, and it has grown like mad (or as you say... like a plague). Before I
offered it to other reefers, I put a rock of it in the main tank just to see
what the Tangs would do. They are going crazy over it (the Yellow has already
devoured 1/2 of it). How can I find out the nutritional value - will it give
them they vitamins they need and can they eat all they want without harm? Given
it's growth history, if it provides for their nutritional needs (other than the
meaty foods), it will be wonderful!!!
Thanks for your help!
Doug
<A gorgeous genus of Reds... Does have nutritional value... some references to
this on Google Scholar... otherwise it's off to the large college library you
go. Bob Fenner>
Can I Get Some Ogo To Go? 09/25/05
Hello, I was at this site called Indo-Pacific Sea Farms and was reading
about "Tang Heaven Red". They call it a natural red sea weed that our tangs
will love. Have you great people at W.W.M. ever heard of this stuff. If you have
is it easy to grow in an aquarium like they say it is? <<Some Tangs love
Gracilaria parvispora, also known as 'Ogo'. It is possible to grow Ogo though I
would not say it is easy. Please see this link
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/redalgfaqs.htm). You could also search WWM for
"Gracilaria".>>
Thanks for taking the time to answer.
Jim Jesko
<<You're welcome. Cheers - Ted>>
Fauchea sp algae Sel., and Garibaldi Info
Hi Mr. Fenner,
<Howdy>
I basically have two questions. The first is do u know of any suppliers who ever
have the Fauchea sp red algae?
<In stock? No... but with a few key-stroke inquiries of the folks who handle
live macro-algae you can find out if any of them carry this genus>
I was lucky enough to have this come in on a piece of live rock in a previous
tank, it is so kelp-like, it is soft and slimy and flows in the currents, one of
a kind, and it grows and grows, had to trim it each week, I never thought I'd
fall in love with algae like I did that stuff. I want some more but can't ever
find it. LFS usually have green Ulva, Caulerpa and red grape algae, don't see
anything else. Also, I have two juvenile garibaldi damsels in there own tank,
they sure fetch a hefty price for a damsel, $50 each, do u know why, (if any
other reason than the fact they are the protected CA state fish).
<This, the costs of collecting them out of the other half of their range (Hypsypops
also come out of Baja California, thankfully. The folks there are not as
backward as the Alta Cal.)>
I want to keep them and let them grow out to their big Oscar like size. Ever
heard of spawning Garibaldi's in the aquarium other than in public aquariums?
<Mmm, no... and did work up a bibliography on the species years back (have
same in print, not computer, if you'd like me to send along a copy). Our site:
http://wetwebmedia.com/garibald.htm>
(I'm hoping I have a female and male, but I read there is no outward way to
tell.) I'm assuming they were caught in a more southern tropical area down the
California coast, but I'm keeping their temp at 75F. Anyway, lots of Fauchea
reds would make their tank more like a kelp forest. Any recommendations for any
other kelp like macro algae?
<Most any that will live in the temperature, other conditions you're making
will do>
How about a piece of the real giant kelp off of CA? :) (I'm assuming it wouldn't
do well in the aquarium, hehe)
<Very hard to grow in aquariums... need colder water, nutrients...>
but, two feet of growth a day sounds like a really efficient protein skimmer to
me! hee hee. I have a feeling I'm gonna have to get fake kelp :(. Okay, I'm
done, thanks for any info, Dennis
<Ah>
PS personal question, what is the highest number of aquariums you have ever had
in your home at any one time? :)
<As a mere youth, a couple of dozen (in the sixties), but nothing real big...
like an eighty gallon marine. But our old businesses had several hundred in one
building for holding, breeding, shipping... and we did fabricate, install marine
systems of thousands of gallons, and have worked on ones of hundreds of
thousands, consulted, installed mechanicals and controllers on ones of millions
of gallons...>
I have 3, one with big marine fish/live rock, I love my Miniatus grouper, he's
so beautiful, and is growing so fast.
<A gorgeous species>
The other with smaller saltwater, royal Gramma, jewel damsel, tomato clown,
etc/live rock and of course my new garibaldi tank.
<A worthy project. Have combed their nests, raised the young, had some trials
with their nematode parasite fauna off of San Diego... Be chatting, Bob
Fenner>
Red algae... Did I write this? Heeeeeeeee!
Hi, I noticed that the coral reef of the red sea has red algae everywhere.
Is it possible to attain this type of algae in an aquarium? If so, then how? And
is it a good source of food for my hepatus tang?
<Please read through our principal site: www.WetWebMedia.com
Bob Fenner><<Can, is posted on WWM and yes. RMF>>
Re: High ammonia levels.
Dear Bob,
Was talking to my stockist about using "Nori", and they asked me if I
was sure that it didn't contain oil. Bought it from a super-market in a sealed
pack, made by a company called Sanchi, and it simply reads: ingredients: Nori (Porphyra
tenera). Green light?
<Yes... nothing else added here>
You suggested I used this stuff whilst I was waiting for my ammonia level to go
down, now at about 0.6 (much better!). And is this the same type of low
pollutant stuff as purple seaweed (Porphyra umbilicalis), which I was already
using?
<Bingo>
Also, the patches of brown/red algae have really started coming up on pretty
much everything, which the blenny loves (bicolor, & my other fish is a
little lipstick tang), and while I recognize this as a sign of "life
establishment",
<Yes, well put>
& bearing in mind that you advised me not to clean anything till the ammonia
was 0, can you give me any tips about controlling it?<Yes sir. Please read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/algaeasfriend.htm>
Should it turn green? My system is now nearly 11 wks old.
Your advice as always will be much appreciated. Hamish, UK.
<You're on a/the right track. Bob Fenner>
Hawaiian Ogo... Lolo for Ogo!
Aloha WWM Crew,
<Eh Howzit Jeff, Scott F. with you (one haole with one Big Island girl)>
Your web site is DA KINE (the best). I can't thank you guys enough for
the great service you provide. I live on the island of Oahu and have a
55 FO tank. I have a question about Hawaiian Ogo (seaweed). I
noticed that the local markets have fresh Ogo bagged for consumption.
I was wondering if you could place that Ogo in your sump or main
display.
<If you got the Ogo already refrigerated, chances are it will not grow in
your sump or aquarium. If it's fresh, meaning you "jus' wen pick em from da
ocean water," then, the Ogo will probably survive and grow. I have had
success growing fresh Ogo in a 10 gallon aquarium with an airstone. Please note
that Ogo (Gracilaria parvispora) needs a lot of light and should be kept in
suspension in order to grow at its best>
Moreover, would it be okay to place shoreline rocks from the
North Shore into my tank without worrying about pollution and other
negative consequences. Thanks for all your help.
<Jeff, are you referring to coral rubble or lava rock? If it's coral rubble,
it may be okay after curing. If it's lava rock, it may not work in a closed
system, because of the possibility that it could release lots of compounds that
will induce microalgae growth. Also, you might want to check with local
authorities to see if it's legal to collect rock.>
Jeff
<Malama Pono and A hui hou! Scott F.>
Re: red algae
Dear Mr. Fenner, Thank you for responding to my question about red algae. I
will give your suggestion a try. It never even dawned on me to try something
like some floating plants to cut down on food and light source.
<Yes... often there is a form of chemical competition as well
(allelopathy)>
I will let you know how it goes.
<Please do>
I guess sometimes you just need someone to look at the problem and help with a
solution. As far as my aquatic background, well life just wouldn't be complete
if I didn't have at least a half dozen tanks going at once. I have about 20-25
more tanks that I will be setting up here in the near future, so I can get my
hatchery going again. I am going to start with angels again and try to work on
the color strains I was working on before. And I'm raising up some clown loaches
to give them a shot also...any input there would be greatly appreciated.
<Most are still wild-collected in Indonesia, but have been spawned... with
and w/o hormonal manipulation... by trying "environmental cues" (i.e.
lowering water level, temperature), mimicking conditions in the wild>
I will also be setting up at least one saltwater tank when I get my customers
tank back together. I will also start collecting lots of hard to find and keep
species, which I did before. I like a challenge when it comes to my finny
friends. I'm hoping that this will turn into a retail shop and consulting and
maint. business in the future. Again thanks for your help, I'll let you know how
it goes. Patty Ashley
<A lifetime of adventure unfolds. Bob Fenner>
"Ogo-Mania!"
Hello. I have a 4" yellow tang (Tango) and would like to
start feeding it some fresh macro algae like you suggest. Any idea
where I can buy Gracilaria (on the internet) so I can start propagating it at
home? All of the LFS's in my area only seem to carry grape Caulerpa,
and even that is only on a limited
basis. Thanks! Sherri Wilson, Buffalo, New York.
<Ahh- you can get my favorite stuff (Gracilaria parvispora aka "Ogo")
from my favorite e-tailer, Indo Pacific Sea Farms in Kailua-Kona (www.ipsf.com)!
They call it "Tang Heaven", but whatever you call it- your tang will
call it "delicious!" This stuff rocks! Enjoy! Regards, Scott F.>
Fauchea Red Algae 11/3/03
Sorry, I do have one other question. Have you heard of and know
anything about Fauchea Red Algae? Thanks, Paul
<it is an interesting algae that can be a plague in tanks without proper
nutrient control. Have you referenced this species on the website I sent you in
the last e-mail? www.algaebase.org see their links for this genus
here - http://www.algaebase.org/action.lasso
Anthony>
Macroalgae II 11/3/03
Thanks for the info. I will research algae on your web site
better. I just have one more question about it. From what
you said below, I take it that I should pick one type of algae that I want to
use, and use only that one, correct?
<correct>
For example, if I think Chaetomorpha is the one to go with, buy and
use nothing but it.
<exactly... else one species will dominate the others and worsen water
quality in the process (during the fight). Anthony>
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