Where to buy macro algae?

[neenish]

Just wanted to know where (websites) and what type of macro algae you guys use (if any) as a nutrient exporter. I need to find California legal type algae.
Thanks in advance.
Brian

[Reefland]

Hi neenish,

I would like to direct you to a series recently published in RHO that answers part of your question:
http://www.reefland.com/rho/1104/main.php
http://www.reefland.com/rho/0105/main2.php

[almostdiva]

As far as where to GET the algae, once you decide what you want, I always use either Inland Aquatics -- both Morgan and Mike are great and very helpful. They also have a great selection.

http://www.inlandaquatics.com/

Or Dr. Mac's Pacific East Aquaculture:

http://www.drmaccorals.com/sys-tmpl/door/

both have great service/livestock in my experience and are also very helpful.

Good Luck!

[Ninong]

Neenish,

Please be aware of the fact that out-of-state vendors (meaning out of California) are selling some of the nine different species of Caulerpa that are illegal to possess in your state. You must be sure to specify exactly what you want. You cannot purchase any generic "packages" that include whatever the vendor chooses to include because they will often include species that are illegal in California. I realize you are already aware of this situation but I just wanted to post the exact species in this thread for the benefit of others.

Possession of the following species of Caulerpa in the state of California could cost you big bucks and land you in the pokey:

Caulerpa taxifolia, C. cupressoides, C. mexicana, C. sertulariodes, C. floridana, C. ashmeadii, C. racemosa, C. verticillata and C. scapelliformis.


Interesting reading (AB-1334, signed by the governor 9/24/2001, effective 9/25/2001): http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/01-02/...chaptered.html

Pay particular attention to this paragraph:

(c) In addition to any other penalty provided by law, any person
who violates this section is subject to a civil penalty of not less
than five hundred dollars ($500) and not more than ten thousand
dollars ($10,000) for each violation.

[greenclowngoby]

you gotta check out the macro algae they have at http://www.marineflora.com
they got some nice stuff! botryocladia, red gracilaria, chaetomorpha and some others.

[optical]

if you purchase the algae by mail and put it in your tank or fuge, then how can they find out? the reason its illegal is so no one places the algae in the cali. coastal waters where it can take root and possibly upset the natural balance of ecosystem there, right. that seems crazy that it would be illegal though. california is weird. ban algae....

[vee5]

Greenclowngoby, many thanks for the link to marineflora.com. I've placed an order with them for the red algaes that I've been looking for quite awhile.

[vee5]

I've just gotten my shipment of red algaes from marineflora.com and am so pleased with it. The algaes were exceptionally well packaged and in very good condition. They make a colorful addition to my tank. Thanks again for the website.