red algae help??

[prow]

hey everyone how goes it. i think i have some Kelp red algae (Rhodophyta) or Haliptilon roseum. i am thinking of using it in my refugium for export. anyone know anything about using this stuff??

[Woodstock]

I don't have either type but here is some info I gathered about them

You could feed this type to your fishes!

In Asia, rhodophytes are important sources of food, such as nori. The high vitamin and protein content of this food makes it attractive, as does the relative simplicity of cultivation, which began in Japan more than 300 years ago.

This image has been removed at the request of its owner.

This type will need proper levels of Calcium;

Haliptilon roseum - Coralline Algae (Branching)
Branching forms of coralline algae are common on the reefs of Barwon Bluff Marine Sanctuary and colour many sections of the reef a bright pink colour. Like encrusting forms of coralline algae, these plants have a skeleton of calcium carbonate. (Photo courtesy Dr. Matt Edmunds)
This image has been removed at the request of its owner.

[prow]

its the Haliptilon roseum. i like it going to keep it. but do you know if it can be used as an export in the refugium. right now i have the red Gracilaria ogo tumbling around in the refugium. but it brushes along the mud(using maricle mud) and clouds the tank. just put it in so this might go away i am not sure. have you or anyone else heard or know if the Haliptilon roseum is good enough exporter to replace the gracilaria.

[Woodstock]

Use a veggie clip to hold it in place.

Here is a very good article written by Albert Thiel, Nutrient Control and Algae Control in the Marine Aquarium . It discusses nutrient export a bit.

Here is another great article on Nutrient Control and Export;

Macroalgae

Macroalgae play an important role in closed marine systems. They utilize nutrients, such as nitrate and phosphate, which are found in abundance in most aquariums. As they grow, they take up required nutrients from the water column.

The use of macroalgae in marine aquariums is a matter of personal preference, but can provide the hobbyist with an affordable, natural means of exporting excess nutrients from the aquarium. Many hobbyists grow and harvest “purposeful” macroalgae, such as Chaetomorpha, Gracilaria, Halimeda, and Caulerpa somewhere in their systems in order to assist in the control and export of excess nutrients. By carefully cultivating and harvesting the macroalgae on a regular basis, you are literally removing excess nutrients from the aquarium. The macroalgae may be grown either in a separate section of a sump, algal turf scrubber, or even a refugium, depending upon the hobbyist’s preferences.

The degree of nutrient export provided by macroalgae is largely dependent upon the growth rate, density, and quantity of the macroalgae harvested. Under optimal conditions, some species of macroalgae can achieve tremendous growth rates, providing the hobbyist with a wonderful means to export nutrients from his or her system.

[prow]

nice info i like that article. i know all about most macro algae. just wonder about this haliptilon roseum and how effective it is. i want to replace the gracilaria i have currently. with something that roots or attaches.

[Woodstock]

Well, if it grows rapidly, go for it!!

I personally like chaetomorpha algae. It is a fast growing dark green algae that grows in a convenient brillo-pad-type ball that makes it easy to harvest and it does not encroach on corals.

[Woodstock]

Also, check out these many great macroalgae links that are in our Knowledge database: http://www.reefsanctuary.com/knowled...links.php?c=19

[prow]

thanks decided to go with caulerpa sertulariodes under 24/7 lighting. going to keep the gracilaria in the diplay though. i know the risk with the caulerpa but going with it any way. the 24/7 light should prevent going sexual. will let you know how is goes. thanks again.