As marine aquarists, we might think of algae as being divided into three (maybe four) distinct categories: the benthic (i.e.
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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.
53 Posts
Sea Lettuce (Ulva lactuca): The Most Underappreciated Macroalgae?
The use of macroalgae in marine aquaria has steadily increased over the years. Ever since they have become more widespread in the
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Water Flow in the Refugium
When it comes to setting up your refugium, there are plenty of considerations to make. You must select macroalgae species, clean-up
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A Look at Seven Great Red Macroalgae For the Refugium
It's been a looong time since there was a "typical" refugium. And even if there was a typical sort of refugium today, it wouldn't look
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Kickstarting Your New Refugium
Whether it's just been installed as part of a bone-dry, newly set up aquarium system or as an add-on to a well-established, heavily
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Lighting the Refugium
There are plenty of reasons that you might consider installing a refugium in your marine aquarium system. Yours might be to add water
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Stocking a Refugium
Marine aquaria have a peculiar way of growing (in terms of both size and complexity) over time. These “add-ons,” be they filtration
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Feeding Your Marine Animals Live Macroalgae
Farmed in the ‘Fuge: Feeding Your Marine Animals Live Macroalgae
Seaweed grazing might appear to be an easy and carefree way for
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The Advantages of Clean Macroalgae
The Advantages of Clean Macroalgae
It so often can be a major challenge to grow the aquarium macroalgae species we love; we really
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Ulva spp. Seaweeds: The Refugium Powerhouses
Virtually all marine aquaria have fish residing in them. And fish must be fed. Which is fine, because most hobbyists enjoy feeding
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An Overview of the Green Alga Chaetomorpha
The typical purpose of a refugium is to cultivate a thick bed of macroalgae. While some refugium plants like chaetomorpha provide
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An Overview of the Red Alga Gracilaria
There are a lot of good reasons to incorporate a planted refugium with Gracilaria into one’s marine aquarium system. The usual stated
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Aquariums: The New Medicine
Aquariums: The New Medicine
You enter the waiting room of your doctor’s office and you know she’s not going to be happy about your
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