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Macroalgae

The macroalgae include a huge and rather diverse group of relatively complex, multicellular algal species. Macroalgae are represented in all three major algal groups: The brown algae (Phaeophyta), red algae (Rhodophyta) and green algae (Chlorophyta). Hence, the macroalgae are not a distinct phyllogenetic assemblage (i.e. they are not very closely related), as each subgroup evolved into their multicellular forms independently from the other two. Ecologically, though, this concept of a “macro” algae is meaningful and useful. These “seaweeds” are all very plant-like in their physical structure (at least superficially), bearing stem-like, leaf-like and root-like structures. Their greater size and complexity (like plants) creates a microhabitat of its own, especially when they are grown in dense, expansive beds. The shelter they provide is an important haven for small invertebrates such as copepods. Increasingly, marine aquarists are cultivating macroalgae. Usually, this is for practical purposes, though macros increasingly are grown simply for enjoyment (marine gardening, if you will). Macroalgae are frequently cultured in a refugium to improve water quality and reduce the need for water changes. In practice, the seaweeds take up excess nutrients (nitrate, phosphate, etc.) from the system. These locked up nutrients are then “exported” from the system as portions of the algal bed are harvested and thrown away. Alternately, the harvested material can be fed to herbivorous aquarium animals. Fleshy types (sea lettuce, ogo, etc.) are relished as a highly palatable, nutritious food source for fishes (tangs, rabbitfish, angelfish, etc.) and invertebrate (sea urchins, certain crabs, etc.). As alluded to above, macroalgae add more biogenic “refuge” to a refugium. The enormous amount of surface area they provide can dramatically boost pod populations. Here, small, desirable microcrustaceans (copepods, amphipods, isopods, etc.) can hide from predators and breed. With so many interesting ornamental macroalgae becoming available, one might begin collecting certain types purely for their beautiful appearance. The deep reds of Gracilaria or rich blues of Hypnea might come to mind here. Healthy and flourishing specimens of slower-growing varieties look so impressive that they can quite justifiably be used in the display tank (presuming an absence of herbivores!). In this section you will learn which types of macroalgae live in which types of habitats, how they can benefit your captive ecosystem and what they need to grow lushly.

52 Posts

How Macroalgae Benefits Coral

Many hobbyists are constantly looking for ways to increase the health and vitality of their corals. There are many obvious ways to
Read More about How Macroalgae Benefits Coral

Bulletproof Refugiums: Macroalgae

Welcome to the next part of our series on how to build a bulletproof refugium. At AlgaeBarn, a lot of our customers have asked what the
Read More about Bulletproof Refugiums: Macroalgae

A Closer Look at Clean Sea Lettuce

AlgaeBarn is committed to doing our part to help keep the planet clean and green. It's why we're talking about the ways we can keep a
Read More about A Closer Look at Clean Sea Lettuce

A Closer Look at Clean Chaeto

Having always been one of our best-selling items, our Clean Chaeto literally flies off the shelf! We work hard to keep it in stock, and
Read More about A Closer Look at Clean Chaeto

Ocean Pollinators

We have some very exciting news to share about ocean pollinators! Marine researchers in France have just released exciting news that
Read More about Ocean Pollinators

What is the Best Macroalgae for a Reef Tank?

Marine aquarists and reef keepers are using macroalgae in their tanks as a source of natural filtration more frequently. Many reef
Read More about What is the Best Macroalgae for a Reef Tank?

Should I Add Snails to My Refugium?

If you guessed that a refugium is a wordplay on refuge and aquarium, you guessed right! A refugium is simply a tank for plant and
Read More about Should I Add Snails to My Refugium?

Conservation Week: Celebrating Aquaculture

Welcome to Conservation Week! Although we talk about conservation and sustainability on the regular here at AlgaeBarn, we are going the
Read More about Conservation Week: Celebrating Aquaculture

To Tumble or Not to Tumble?

If you decided to use a refugium for filtration of the reef tank than you most likely know how you want to stock it. But, if you’re
Read More about To Tumble or Not to Tumble?

Is Sea Lettuce a Good Macroalgae for the Refugium?

If you are looking for a way to control nutrient levels in the reef tank, macroalgae is a great way to do it! You may have heard about
Read More about Is Sea Lettuce a Good Macroalgae for the Refugium?

What Light is Good for a Refugium? 

Back in the early days of the hobby, there were not many choices when it came to lighting. The basic options for light fixtures were
Read More about What Light is Good for a Refugium? 

How Fast Does Macroalgae Grow?

A good portion of hobbyists will grow macroalgae in their reef tank systems. It has even become more common to see planted display
Read More about How Fast Does Macroalgae Grow?

The Tank Booster Pack: Wholistic Reef Aquarium Balance

If AlgaeBarn is known for one thing, it is our focus on natural aquarium maintenance methods. Some of our products are designed to
Read More about The Tank Booster Pack: Wholistic Reef Aquarium Balance

Refugium Example

A Remarkable Macroalgae: Chaeto in Aquaculture

In honor of World Ocean Month, we will highlight some of our favorite products that help to preserve our ocean ecosystems. Chaetomorpha
Read More about A Remarkable Macroalgae: Chaeto in Aquaculture

How Red Mangrove Aquaculture is Improving the Waters of the Gulf of Mexico

Mangroves are trees that grow in the coastal waters in tropical and subtropical regions. The term mangrove is also used for referring
Read More about How Red Mangrove Aquaculture is Improving the Waters of the Gulf of Mexico

How Red Ogo is Helping to Restore the US Pacific Coastline

We are taking a dive deep into the world’s oceans and reefs! At AlgaeBarn, one of our top priorities is promoting more sustainability
Read More about How Red Ogo is Helping to Restore the US Pacific Coastline

Using the Ultimate Macroalgae Pack

Increasingly, aquarists are using planted refugia to conduct nutrient export and stabilize their captive ecosystems. Our ultimate
Read More about Using the Ultimate Macroalgae Pack

The BIG 4 Refugium Macros

It’s sort of hard to believe today that Caulerpa spp. macroalgae were once the only seaweed used in planted refugia. Well, pretty much
Read More about The BIG 4 Refugium Macros

Sea Lettuce grows in ribbons

Using Ulva to Remove Excess Nutrients

Sea lettuce (Ulva lactuca) is an extremely versatile refugium macroalgae. It’s big, verdant fronds can add a little “greenery” to a
Read More about Using Ulva to Remove Excess Nutrients

5 Fish for the Refugium

For a lot of people, a refugium is an opportunity to keep an “extra” tank. This doesn’t necessarily mean more of the same; in fact, the
Read More about 5 Fish for the Refugium

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