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You are here: Home / Macroalgae / Mixed Macros in the Planted Refugium
A brown Macroalgae

Mixed Macros in the Planted Refugium

by Kenneth Wingerter

Macroalgaes are the Natural Way to Keep a Marine Ecosystem Clean!There 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).

a beautiful red macroalgaeSea 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

The Ultimate Macro Pack from AlgaeBarnHobbyists 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!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Chris says

    October 1, 2020 at 11:27 am

    Right tool for the right job and most look cool too

    Reply
    • 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
      • Andrew Welsh Welsh says

        October 9, 2020 at 9:10 pm

        Love mixing my macros

        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
        • randles.17 says

          October 14, 2020 at 6:13 pm

          Me to, Great information

          Reply
    • gerardobarbaro says

      October 12, 2020 at 8:18 pm

      It does, a variety of homes and food.

      Reply
    • Karen Martinelli says

      March 16, 2021 at 10:48 am

      Yup great stuff

      Reply
  2. Chris says

    October 1, 2020 at 11:30 am

    Right tool for the right job and look cool too

    Reply
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. angelyrojas23 says

    October 1, 2020 at 5:11 pm

    One of the best way to to get rid of no3 and po4x

    Reply
  6. Jacob says

    October 1, 2020 at 5:46 pm

    ?

    Reply
    • Marla says

      October 6, 2020 at 1:27 pm

      Love this

      Reply
  7. Tracy B Schultz says

    October 1, 2020 at 7:58 pm

    Awesomeness

    Reply
  8. Michael Thorne says

    October 2, 2020 at 1:21 am

    Loved the idea of a refugium with mixed macros

    Reply
  9. 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
  10. jose.caraveo1 says

    October 2, 2020 at 7:51 am

    Great article

    Reply
  11. gandla nagaraviteja says

    October 2, 2020 at 9:15 am

    Good to know. Nice Article on Micro Algae.

    Reply
  12. 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
  13. pumas0511 says

    October 2, 2020 at 10:38 am

    Thanks

    Reply
    • Lonnie Goldman says

      October 5, 2020 at 4:22 pm

      Agreed!

      Reply
  14. Juan Carlos Perez says

    October 2, 2020 at 12:55 pm

    Got chaeto in one chamber and sea lettuce in the other.

    Reply
  15. michaelbotzenmayer says

    October 2, 2020 at 3:39 pm

    I love a mixed reef

    Reply
  16. kweisen-1082 says

    October 2, 2020 at 4:25 pm

    Very good information for my future purchases.

    Reply
  17. Jordn Gerardot says

    October 2, 2020 at 5:32 pm

    I tried Dragon’s breath but couldn’t get it to thrive

    Reply
  18. Dallas Tippie says

    October 2, 2020 at 11:43 pm

    Mixed macro algae would be great for my tangs!

    Reply
  19. jeffery486 says

    October 3, 2020 at 5:01 am

    Very informative, I’ve done a mix of Ulva and Cheato.

    Reply
  20. TiNa Hess says

    October 3, 2020 at 5:48 am

    Great article!

    Reply
  21. emailme says

    October 3, 2020 at 8:16 am

    I’m currently trying it but not sure how I feel about it.

    Reply
  22. Mr Papu says

    October 3, 2020 at 10:52 am

    Looking to add some of these into my new refugium!

    Reply
  23. Ricardo says

    October 3, 2020 at 10:01 pm

    True ?????

    Reply
  24. zadok says

    October 3, 2020 at 10:26 pm

    I love macros and the pop of color they bring

    Reply
  25. zadok says

    October 3, 2020 at 10:28 pm

    I love macros and the pop of color they bring!

    Reply
  26. zadok says

    October 3, 2020 at 10:31 pm

    I love macros and the pop of color they bring!!

    Reply
  27. chidibang316 says

    October 4, 2020 at 1:48 am

    Dragons breath is probably my favorite

    Reply
  28. jayfl77 says

    October 4, 2020 at 4:43 am

    Great ? information

    Reply
  29. 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
  30. tyler.powell says

    October 4, 2020 at 1:42 pm

    they all play an important roll in a reef system

    Reply
  31. Brett says

    October 4, 2020 at 2:09 pm

    Great information! Might need some

    Reply
  32. Jesse says

    October 4, 2020 at 6:59 pm

    The more macros the better!

    Reply
  33. Brandon Lynn Taylor says

    October 5, 2020 at 6:54 am

    Ive got 4 types!

    Reply
  34. Chell Slayton says

    October 5, 2020 at 10:43 am

    There’s nothing like a beautiful reef garden!

    Reply
  35. 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
  36. 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
  37. Timminy Moore says

    October 5, 2020 at 3:21 pm

    Can’t wait for my refugium starter kit to get here this week!

    Reply
  38. gbrag64 says

    October 5, 2020 at 4:33 pm

    Does a great job and looks good while doing it

    Reply
  39. Mr Papu says

    October 5, 2020 at 4:41 pm

    Can’t wait to add these to my refugium

    Reply
  40. Tony Mangano says

    October 5, 2020 at 5:45 pm

    A must for a fuge

    Reply
  41. Bob escher says

    October 5, 2020 at 6:15 pm

    Great export of nutrient

    Reply
  42. kmehl says

    October 5, 2020 at 7:04 pm

    Dragons breath is probably my favorite

    Reply
  43. Jorge Cabrera says

    October 5, 2020 at 7:59 pm

    Great Article.

    Reply
  44. motor795 says

    October 5, 2020 at 10:27 pm

    I mainly keep one but more would be cool

    Reply
  45. dr_evo says

    October 5, 2020 at 10:48 pm

    Great knowledge

    Reply
  46. Derek Nguyen says

    October 6, 2020 at 12:10 am

    All got their owm.type of benefits for a reef tank!

    Reply
  47. chris says

    October 6, 2020 at 8:28 am

    Can you have a mixed macros in a small refugium?

    Reply
  48. michaelohl says

    October 6, 2020 at 2:45 pm

    Great article. What happened to the last post I put here. Not counted?

    Reply
  49. Ken Bilow says

    October 7, 2020 at 4:58 am

    I don’t like to mix in Caulerpa

    Reply
  50. Larry says

    October 7, 2020 at 4:46 pm

    Must have for refrigum

    Reply
  51. Shawn Vest says

    October 7, 2020 at 5:34 pm

    I always like grape caulerpa and chaeto in my fuge

    Reply
  52. kevin.guerrerodc5 says

    October 7, 2020 at 8:52 pm

    I have always found algae beautiful.

    Reply
  53. 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
  54. Elizabeth Dusser says

    October 8, 2020 at 7:29 pm

    My pods love all of that macro algae

    Reply
  55. Christopher skates says

    October 8, 2020 at 10:52 pm

    I think mixing them up makes the refugium look nicer.

    Reply
  56. 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
  57. Shawn Dear says

    October 9, 2020 at 2:58 pm

    Would a kessil h80 tuna flora be good for sea lettuce

    Reply
  58. Suriyun Soukhamneut says

    October 9, 2020 at 4:23 pm

    One day ill have a refuguim

    Reply
  59. jason says

    October 9, 2020 at 7:46 pm

    i am using 2 styles of macro algae and no problems.

    Reply
  60. 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
  61. Ramon Mateo says

    October 10, 2020 at 2:20 am

    my sea lettuce beats out my chaeto

    Reply
  62. s_coffman says

    October 10, 2020 at 2:05 pm

    Is the amount of lettuce directly correlated to the health of the tank?

    Reply
  63. 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
  64. 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
  65. ajlop270 says

    October 12, 2020 at 4:25 pm

    One day ill have a refuguim

    Reply
  66. 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
  67. 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
  68. Bob Trimper says

    October 13, 2020 at 3:51 am

    some work better than other – seems to be tank specific

    Reply
  69. purelakerfan says

    October 13, 2020 at 8:29 am

    Interesting Info. thanks for the sharing

    Reply
  70. trevorpem10 says

    October 13, 2020 at 8:57 am

    I really need to add a refugium ….

    Reply
  71. 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
  72. rpg56185 says

    October 13, 2020 at 4:12 pm

    Would love to do a display macro tank some day

    Reply
  73. 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
  74. 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
  75. 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
  76. B says

    October 15, 2020 at 10:03 am

    You guys should do some test to find the best combination.

    Reply
  77. 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
  78. devon maynard says

    October 16, 2020 at 1:51 am

    I love macros

    Reply
  79. cyberkiller6 says

    October 16, 2020 at 7:41 pm

    I only use chaeto

    Reply
  80. C Reab says

    October 17, 2020 at 2:38 am

    I am not a fan of others

    Reply
  81. 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
  82. 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
  83. Brandon Rush says

    October 19, 2020 at 2:23 pm

    Interesting

    Reply
  84. Matt Traylor says

    October 19, 2020 at 2:29 pm

    Great biodiversity!

    Reply
  85. 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
  86. Kyle says

    October 19, 2020 at 3:15 pm

    Great article

    Reply
  87. Kristin Randles says

    October 19, 2020 at 4:50 pm

    We use chaeto in our fuge

    Reply
  88. 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
  89. Kurt Kidder says

    October 20, 2020 at 7:12 pm

    Nice

    Reply
  90. 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
  91. scotty8284 says

    October 22, 2020 at 8:06 pm

    Eliminate excess nutrients AND grow fish food at the same time!

    Reply
  92. Alfie Henshaw says

    October 24, 2020 at 10:51 am

    Just the article I was looking for

    Reply
  93. Jame Wohler says

    October 24, 2020 at 6:06 pm

    Never had much other then Cheato…and shaving brush plants

    Reply
  94. philip.johnson2 says

    October 25, 2020 at 12:28 pm

    Wanting to start with cheap, and get some pods started soon.

    Reply
  95. weshamand says

    October 25, 2020 at 2:30 pm

    Would like to add mangrove trees to my sump.

    Reply
  96. meganpratt27 says

    October 26, 2020 at 3:35 pm

    All macros have numerous benefits!

    Reply
  97. Jorge Cabrera says

    October 26, 2020 at 7:04 pm

    Awesome article

    Reply
  98. 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
  99. 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
  100. Chris Montesione says

    October 28, 2020 at 7:02 pm

    Great info

    Reply
  101. Scott says

    October 29, 2020 at 8:59 am

    mixing macros always add more texture and color.

    Reply
  102. Scott says

    October 29, 2020 at 9:02 am

    Great article! I love how the chaeto works to control nutrients.

    Reply
  103. Jeremy Pryes says

    October 29, 2020 at 10:37 am

    Great article.

    Reply
  104. Josh Stevens says

    October 31, 2020 at 10:37 pm

    Great way to get rid of No3

    Reply
  105. 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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