Mixed Macros in the Planted Refugium by Kenneth WingerterThere are plenty of reasons to install a planted refugium into your reef aquarium system. You might culture macroalgae for numerous purposes including removing excess nutrients, growing a live food for herbivores, creating pod microhabitat, or just for simple enjoyment. Some macros are better suited for some of these purposes than for others. Therefore, if you keep a planted ‘fuge for multiple uses, then it may be best to use some combination of macroalgal species (mixed macros!). We here present a few possibilities for macroalgal “multi-tasking.” This is by no means the extent to which you can incorporate several species in your marine garden to best accomplish a particular goal. For example, in some cases, you might choose to utilize three or four species. You might even fine tune your crop by finding the ideal proportional size of each species in the garden. You might add and/or remove different species as current conditions in the tank demand. And so on! The nutrient sponge Both chaeto (Chaetomorpha linum) and sea lettuce (Ulva lactuca) are known to be very fast growers and, therefore, excellent choices of macro for nutrient sequestration. Of course, both of these are chlorophytes (e.g. green algae) and therefore require intense lighting; unless they receive the powerful light energy required for fast growth, they will grow much more slowly or even die off. Simple as that! If grown under a strong light (such as the Kessil H160 Refugium Light), both chaeto and sea lettuce thrive. Sea lettuce in particular can grow at spectacularly high rates, especially in nutrient-rich environments. This particular combo allows for maximal nutrient removal in eutrophic (i.e. high-nutrient) environments. Specifically, the sea lettuce can respond quickly and intensely to elevated concentrations of nitrate and phosphate, proliferating rapidly. However, the presence of the loose, wiry chaeto in the bed helps to keep the soft, fan-shaped blades of sea lettuce from packing against each other and/or the outlet drains. It also allows for overall higher rates of water flow, which increases for higher turnover through the ‘fuge and potentially more efficient nutrient sequestration. As it happens, the physical environment this creates makes an excellent habitat for harpacticoid copepods and other small benthic microcrustaceans! The mixed salad Especially where dissolved nutrient levels are near desired levels, and the tank houses obligately herbivorous fishes and inverts such tangs, large angelfish, batfish, rabbitfish, sea urchins, certain crab species, etc., it is advantageous to grow edible macros. The best types for this purpose are not only wholesome and devoid of allelopathic (i.e. noxious or toxic) compounds but are also soft (i.e. easy to chew to swallow). Some of the most nutritious and delicious soft macros are sea lettuce and red ogo (Gracilaria parvispora). Sea lettuce and red ogo are both fairly easy to grow. Also, they are both relatively simple to harvest, as they grow in small clumps that can effortlessly be picked from the algal mass for use as a high-quality live food for larger herbivores. Clumps can be dropped right into the tank (some large fishes, for instance, can suck them up as is) or attached to an algae clip. The great thing with this set of mixed macros (being as Ulva is a chlorophyte and Gracilaria is a rhodophyte (red algae)) is that each of the two species has its own nutritional benefits. So, used together, they present a more varied diet. For example, sea lettuce is a great source of vitamins from group B (e.g. cobalamin and vitamin B12) whereas ogo is a great source of iodine and bromine. Each boasts its own distinct set of healthful carotenoids. Sure, herbivores can be incredibly finicky about their foods. If you find that most of your herbivores prefer one type, you can offer the other type first–while they’re most hungry and most likely to accept the unfavored alternative. This practice helps to ensure that all herbivores are enjoying a reasonably balanced diet. Easy on the eyes Hobbyists who have gained good control over their water quality can relax a bit and enjoy the more ornamental varieties of macroalgae. Those with low-to-moderate nutrient levels and intense refugium lighting have the enviable option of cultivating some of the most beautiful seaweeds such as dragon’s breath (Halymenia dilitata) and blue hypnea (Hypnea pannosa). Such is a ‘fuge worthy of showing off alongside the main tank! When displaying ornamental mixed macros, any number of species will do. But the more the merrier! This is especially so when species are selected to complement each other’s shapes and colors. Take for example dragon’s breath and blue hypnea. The former is velvety red and leafy, while the latter is iridescent blue and lacy. When set closely beside each other, each stands out even more boldly and beautifully. Both species naturally inhabit rocky subtidal environments (with Hypnea preferring slightly shallower waters than Halymenia). Since Hypnea requires slightly stronger light, one could build a rubbly refugium bottom, with Hypnea at the tops of the rocks and Halymenia between them on the bottom. The dash of green provided by a mangrove might make the display even more visually pleasing! Mixed reasons for mixed macros Again, the above suggestions present just a few of many, many possible examples of ways aquarists can make good use out of mixed macroalgal beds. With a decent understanding of the basic requirements and benefits of each macro species, anyone can build a planted refugium and sea garden that suits their own unique needs!
michaelohl says October 6, 2020 at 2:31 pm Want to try a Dragons Breath fuge along with some fast growing chaeto. Need to get my fuge going. Reply
Regina Heitschmidt says October 19, 2020 at 1:54 pm I had no idea that I could mix until reading this! I am going to try it! Reply
mlashawnbenton says October 14, 2020 at 3:38 am never thought about mixing them. I may do that now. Reply
cnawn says October 1, 2020 at 2:26 pm I’ve actually been thinking of the idea of adding a refugium to my sump Reply
Molvera18 says October 1, 2020 at 4:21 pm Macros are the best nutrient export as well! Keep it as organic as possible imo Reply
angelyrojas23 says October 1, 2020 at 5:11 pm One of the best way to to get rid of no3 and po4x Reply
Joe Camejo says October 2, 2020 at 7:00 am Helped keep my nutrients under control. Specially Nitrates which Ive always had issues with. Reply
pumas0511 says October 2, 2020 at 10:37 am Thanks for the article. I learn so much here, and I am using all this information to create a successful reef tank. Reply
Juan Carlos Perez says October 2, 2020 at 12:55 pm Got chaeto in one chamber and sea lettuce in the other. Reply
Jordn Gerardot says October 2, 2020 at 5:32 pm I tried Dragon’s breath but couldn’t get it to thrive Reply
jeffery486 says October 3, 2020 at 5:01 am Very informative, I’ve done a mix of Ulva and Cheato. Reply
emailme says October 3, 2020 at 8:16 am I’m currently trying it but not sure how I feel about it. Reply
dcreeron says October 4, 2020 at 11:19 am Maybe in a connected tank, but in my main DT the tangs would decimate it (it’s happened in the past). Reply
Stephen Holmes says October 5, 2020 at 2:47 pm I love the idea of a mix of macros but how do you light sea lettuce which likes the surface and chaeto which sinks? Reply
Stephen Holmes says October 5, 2020 at 2:49 pm I love the idea of multiple macros, but how do you light them? Sea lettuce seems to like floating and chaeto sinks. Possible with 1 light? Reply
Timminy Moore says October 5, 2020 at 3:21 pm Can’t wait for my refugium starter kit to get here this week! Reply
Derek Nguyen says October 6, 2020 at 12:10 am All got their owm.type of benefits for a reef tank! Reply
michaelohl says October 6, 2020 at 2:45 pm Great article. What happened to the last post I put here. Not counted? Reply
adam.woods144 says October 8, 2020 at 3:58 pm One day I too will have a refugium great enough to geow several different macro algea Reply
Christopher skates says October 8, 2020 at 10:52 pm I think mixing them up makes the refugium look nicer. Reply
Casey says October 9, 2020 at 12:53 pm Any suggestions on how to use Algae in a Biocube? Would love to see a post on it Reply
Shawn Dear says October 9, 2020 at 2:58 pm Would a kessil h80 tuna flora be good for sea lettuce Reply
Robert Paniagua says October 9, 2020 at 9:14 pm I just got an order of sea lettuce hopefully keeps my phosphates under control better than my cheato Reply
s_coffman says October 10, 2020 at 2:05 pm Is the amount of lettuce directly correlated to the health of the tank? Reply
mstrait44 says October 10, 2020 at 7:05 pm Use your fish poop to grow algae in fuge and then feed your algae back to your fish! Reply
Chad Whitmire says October 12, 2020 at 4:31 am Best way to go in my opinion. A refugium with natural filtration. Algae Barn has great information and great products. Reply
Mike says October 12, 2020 at 7:42 pm I agree with running the “mixed salad”, cheato, dragons breath, mangroves, and couple others here. Reply
Andrew says October 12, 2020 at 10:49 pm I think this is something I want to include in the near future to have an assortment of macro algae in my refugium. Reply
Bob Trimper says October 13, 2020 at 3:51 am some work better than other – seems to be tank specific Reply
Victoria Joy Brewer says October 13, 2020 at 1:56 pm I plan to add some of the more beautiful Macros to my tank so they can be seen. Reply
jbean_911 says October 15, 2020 at 7:29 am I have only used charts, but now may have to order a variety! Great info! Reply
jbean_911 says October 15, 2020 at 7:38 am I have only used chaeto, but now may have to order a variety! Great info! Reply
jenniferlye74 says October 15, 2020 at 8:49 am I have chaeto and dragon’s breath in by HOB refugium. Just need a stronger light. Reply
Fabian Noggle says October 15, 2020 at 10:38 am dragons breath is expensive locally and stores claim it is ultra rare and the reason for the price, this expense is why i dont use it but at the same time i have cheato and it hasnt grown in 6 months but my algae scrubber grows like crazy and has to be harvested every 7 to 14 days Reply
Justan Jenkins says October 18, 2020 at 7:41 pm interesting… will be helpful if i win…. right now only have fresh water tank. Reply
TJ Saffioti says October 19, 2020 at 11:57 am Plants are great to keep in a tank. Helps filter water, looks more natural, and helps keep healthier fish! Reply
Leighla Wolf says October 19, 2020 at 3:11 pm It’s important to consider lighting for mixed macros. Red macros and green macros react differently depending on light source so having a full spectrum light would definitely be something to consider. 🙂 Reply
Don says October 20, 2020 at 8:29 am I have a yellow tang in my Reef/Tank and grow sea lettuce, red Ogo and Chaeto in my refugium with Chaeto divided by egg crate from the Sea lettuce and ogo My tang loves a clip of the red lettuce daily and it’s fun to watch how happy she is. It’s a win-win having a refugium that keeps my Phosphates, Nitrates and PH stable + renewable free food! Reply
Justin Walz says October 21, 2020 at 11:15 pm Need the space and a nice place to keep in view but this definitely goal in the next build Reply
scotty8284 says October 22, 2020 at 8:06 pm Eliminate excess nutrients AND grow fish food at the same time! Reply
Jame Wohler says October 24, 2020 at 6:06 pm Never had much other then Cheato…and shaving brush plants Reply
philip.johnson2 says October 25, 2020 at 12:28 pm Wanting to start with cheap, and get some pods started soon. Reply
devaji108 says October 27, 2020 at 10:16 am I think natural filtration is so under used in our hobby. macros for the win.:D Reply
rpkneumann says October 28, 2020 at 8:46 am planning to add some color and cleaning help to the display. That’s the way to go. Reply
Scott says October 29, 2020 at 9:02 am Great article! I love how the chaeto works to control nutrients. Reply
Billy Smith says September 6, 2021 at 4:04 pm I just ordered a refugium kit this week. I’ve already added an egg rate baffle to keep my macros from flowing over into my return pump. I’m so READY! How long does shipping usually take? I’m going to mix chaeto, sea lettuce, and red ogo. I’m sure I’ll have to keep it from overcrowding. Good thing I can feed it to my tangs. I’m just a few weeks in on my first marine tank. Looking forward to reading more of the blogs and ordering more products!!! Reply
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