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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, |
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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