Phytoplankton, Macroalgae, or BOTH? by greg.chernoffAs marine aquarists, we might think of algae as being divided into three (maybe four) distinct categories: the benthic (i.e. bottom-dwelling) microalgae, the open-water microalgae and the macroalgae. The first group consists of the film/turf-formers, the second group consists of the phytoplankton and the third group consists of the larger, plant-like seaweeds. The first group is generally regarded as “bad” algae whereas the second two are generally considered to be desirable. Oh, and that questionable fourth group? Maybe we could list an additional, relatively small number of “bad” seaweed species here, specifically those (for example, some Caulerpa) that can in rare situations become invasive in the aquarium. Of course, this broad classification is just a practical construct; there is hardly any phylogenetic basis for the arrangement. Tetraselmis (a green planktonic microalga), for example, is more closely related to Ulva (a green macroalga) than it is to Thalassiosira (a brown planktonic microalga). But, practical this classification certainly is. In just about every conceivable circumstance, film and turf algae really are bad! For one thing, they are rather ugly. They are also unnatural, as they do not grow to form particularly expansive films/turfs in healthy coral reef habitats. So they’re both ugly and unnatural… Pretty bad, right? For reef aquarists, that’s not even the worst of it. At their very worst, these forms can rapidly blanket entire sections of an aquascape, eventually covering and potentially killing sessile invertebrate life (e.g. corals). In aquarium systems where dissolved nutrient levels are chronically high, the negative influence of bad algae can be truly devastating. One big thing that phytoplankton and macroalgae have in common is that they can be effectively used to control film/turf algae. The reason that they both “work” for this purpose is that they compete aggressively with bad algae for nutrients. Once the nutrients are sequestered by the “phyto” and “macro,” they are eventually exported from the system respectively via water changes and harvesting. To some notable extent, nutrients will also be recycled as algal biomass is consumed by different aquarium animals. Starved out, the benthic microalgae are ultimately beaten down or even eliminated from the system altogether. [Phyto] A Tale of Two Algae: The Same but Different Some aquarists wonder if using both phytoplankton and macroalgae in the same system is enjoying too much of a good thing. Not at all! Here, you could even say that multiple species of macro with multiple species of phyto wouldn’t be overkill. Indeed, because every species (desirable or otherwise) has its own preference with respect to nutrient availability, light intensity, etc., a combination of phytos and macros can be quite complementary in their fight against bad algae. But that’s not all; there are many other good reasons to use these beneficial algae. But, some of these uses are exclusive to one type or to the other. Let’s start with one major difference here. Sure, both types can be utilized as a food source by various aquarium inhabitants. However, each of these will only be consumed by certain sorts of animals. To the point, your corals are probably not going to graze on your Gracilaria. Nor will you ever catch your tang sifting phytoplankton from the water column. If you have both corals and herbivorous fishes (and you probably do), your tank will likely profit from the addition of phyto as well as macros. A typical reef tank will house all sorts of invertebrates, including corals, clams, sea cucumbers, sponges and so on. Many of these creatures are phytoplanktivores. For these, good health and coloration (if not survival) depends upon a proper density of phyto. Each species might even prefer a phytoplankton of a specific size or nutritional profile. Therefore, a diverse collection of inverts will usually benefit most from a mixed-species feed. Yet, purchasing, storing and administering a whole fridgeful of different live phyto products would surely be a real pain. Luckily, AlgaeBarn has introduced a convenient multi-species product for all reef aquaria. As it contains a carefully formulated blend of four species—Nannochloropsis, Tetraselmis, Thalassiosira and Isochrysis—the ever popular live phyto product OceanMagik is ideal for general use. But we said a typical reef tank will be home to all sorts of inverts. This will almost certainly include herbivorous types such as many crabs, sea urchins etc. These critters, just like herbivorous fishes such as many tangs, angelfish, butterflyfish, blennies, boxfish, etc. will greatly appreciate the addition of fresh, live seaweed to their diet. Live macros usually provide considerably more vitamins, antioxidants, pigments etc. than “prepared” fare. They may be purchased on a regular basis for feed, though one can also use material harvested from a planted refugium. That brings us to yet another consideration. Sometimes, live phytoplankton and live macroalgae can be used together, for different purposes, to serve the same species of animal! Various types of macroalgae are commonly used in the refugium for nutrient export. While they’re there, they carry out another important task: creating prime habitat for copepods! Many copepod species that are available to aquarists are benthic as adults and planktonic as larvae. As adults, these forms of course thrive in a refugium packed with seaweed. But their young? You guessed it! They require a rich source of phytoplankton for proper growth and development. This culminates in a three-punch knockout for bad algae. The macros and phyto compete against them, plus they are consumed by the hungry pods! This also serves a three-course meal to your tank. You’ll have macro and phyto as a live food, plus the pods will constantly be available to zooplanktivores and small fishes such as mandarins. Getting it Together Does it seem as though your corals are lacking in vitality? Are you struggling with nuisance algae? It certainly might help to start adding live phytoplankton to the system. And if you add phyto, can you still add a little Chaetomorpha for your pods to live on? Absolutely. In fact, the presence of one of the major groups of good algae can actually increase the effectiveness of the other. Remember that each type fills its own ecological niche. Using macros and phyto in tandem can, in many cases, complete your ecosystem and create the healthiest possible environment for all of your animals! [macroalgae]
Kai says April 29, 2019 at 3:39 pm Macros are my favorite since there’s ways have them in your display for presentation and functional. Phyto is great to supplement alongside it so both! Reply
Dave Horan says April 29, 2019 at 3:43 pm I was having cyano and hair algae issues. I added a fuge giving the algae a new place to populate and started adding phytoplankton and the nuisance algae in my tank has all disappeared!! ???? Reply
Travis oglesbee says April 30, 2019 at 4:27 am Currently use these pods everynonth would be nice to win Reply
William Wahl says April 29, 2019 at 3:51 pm Love Algaebarn! The packaging and quality is top notch! Good luck everyone! Reply
Hank Hough says April 29, 2019 at 4:01 pm My tank does well with a combination of both macroalgae and phyto Reply
Matt says April 29, 2019 at 4:18 pm For me it’s phyto I feel like it has some many benefits…plus I don’t have room for macro!! Reply
Matt says April 29, 2019 at 4:24 pm I use phyto because of the numerous benefits plus I don’t have room for macro!! Reply
Victoria Brewer says April 29, 2019 at 4:25 pm I always noticed my pod population went up when dosing phyto. I’d love to try out algae barns blend. Reply
Shawn says April 29, 2019 at 4:31 pm I’m waiting on my new shipment and I can’t wait to receive it thank you Reply
Carol Mauch says April 29, 2019 at 4:39 pm Thank you for carrying Macro Algae options as well as the pods! Reply
2jessramirez says April 29, 2019 at 5:04 pm I bought the 5280 combo pack a few weeks for my refugium and now waiting to see if they take hold.Keeping my fingers crossed. Reply
Nicholas Pettit says April 29, 2019 at 5:14 pm Anything to get rid of bad algae is the way to go. Reply
Richard Quickley says April 29, 2019 at 5:49 pm I have used the phytoplankton and I have seen a difference in my fish tank and refugium Reply
James G says April 29, 2019 at 5:56 pm I have always found that stability is key, but the more natural ways seem to work the best in the long run! Reply
Matt Kalender says April 30, 2019 at 6:45 am I had been stocking my reef with pods for about 3 months before I got a Mandarin goby… She’s been in the tank for about five months now and she is very healthy. I add pods every six weeks or so now, but I could probably go longer. With all the cheto in the refugium and the every other day of phyto my pods seem to keep up with two goby’s no problem. Reply
Foster L White Jr says April 29, 2019 at 6:48 pm Great information. I have forwarded this to others I know that have asked questions this blog addresses. Reply
Clint says April 29, 2019 at 7:15 pm Pretty useful information for a guy just starting a nano tank. Could use this for a healthy start. Reply
David says April 29, 2019 at 9:41 pm Thanks for the informative article. I’m curious to try photo and see if it helps. Reply
mecaveman says April 29, 2019 at 10:24 pm looks good… buy every time i go to order some things.. your out of stock… Reply
Stephanie Prall says April 30, 2019 at 1:08 am OceanMagik is great. Thanks for the details on why! Reply
Compy Ginorio says April 30, 2019 at 1:20 am Both, macro for exporting nutrients and feed the Tangs. And phytoplankton for the corals, bi valve, feather dusters, and coopods Reply
Stephanie Prall says April 30, 2019 at 1:22 am OceanMagik is great, thanks for the reasons why! Reply
jam5146 says April 30, 2019 at 4:13 am We love Algae Barn’s products. The pods and Ocean Magik helped get rid of our Dinos and saved our sanity. We will definitely continue to order pods. Reply
nedaley says April 30, 2019 at 6:18 am Set up Triton method in sump with Chaeto and Kessil H380. Added 5280 pods, phyto, and purple helix coraline algae. I have zero algae in my display tank after three two months except coraline. My display tank get direct light from a window for two hours each day and still no algae! My water test are perfect. Currently fish only and water is perfect. Only dosing to elevate pH. Zero water changes! You have to try Triton. Reply
renner.nate says April 30, 2019 at 7:09 am I’ve recently started using phyto AND macro algae. So glad I found Algae barn with attractive alternatives to chaeto, I put my red algaes on display instead of in the refugium Reply
Izaac Ubelhor says April 30, 2019 at 7:48 am Great way to keep nuisance algae down and feed tangs at the same time. Reply
Jeremy Butwina says April 30, 2019 at 9:24 am set up a new 40 gallon cube this would be perfect to help kick it off thanks Reply
Leslie Pustilnik says April 30, 2019 at 9:40 am Always glad to have a more diverse population in my tank – great read Reply
Rhonda Swetnam says April 30, 2019 at 12:05 pm I like to utilize both! Algae Barn is the best! Always great information, great pods, macro algae and the cutest little urchins! Thank you Algae Barn! Reply
Jonathan Pinero says April 30, 2019 at 7:37 pm I will do what ever it takes to fight off bad algae. Thanks for the info. Reply
Stephen Lovett says April 30, 2019 at 8:24 pm You should consider providing info for culturing as well. Reply
Brianna says April 30, 2019 at 10:13 pm Awesome information! Will definitely use this in the future! Reply
Elmer Nicomedez says April 30, 2019 at 10:24 pm The best thing about aquariums is that, although enclosed, there is a working ecosystem. My philosophy is not to mimic nature but provide as much of a natural foundation to sustain the life within. Algaebarn, you guys helped keep my system thriving. Reply
Horace says May 1, 2019 at 6:38 am Good info, hard to tell though, is the water filter green because it’s filtering out micro algae, should i remove the filter sock? Reply
Judi A Knight-Mitzel says May 1, 2019 at 12:10 pm Just getting back into sw tanks after many years, and trying live phyto for the first time 🙂 I also set up a refuge with chaeto and hoping for some great pod growth. Thank you for the great info. Reply
Sally says May 1, 2019 at 1:50 pm Glad to see this article as I use both and thought maybe it was a little redundant to use both. Glad to have a leg up! Reply
Sally says May 1, 2019 at 1:54 pm Glad to see this article as I use both and thought maybe it was a little redundant to use both. Glad to have a leg up! Thanks to this site my vision of my tank will hopefully come to fruition. Reply
Donny says May 1, 2019 at 8:05 pm Have ordered a couple times before need to make another order soon everything has always arrived alive. Reply
Mike says May 1, 2019 at 9:08 pm I wonder if this can out compete Dino’s that have plagued me off and on for years. I can beat them into submission for a few months with adding bacteria supplements then they will return at a certain point. Worth a shot! Reply
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