[monsterM]

Hi,

I would like to add some macro algae to my 55 gal fish and invert tank to help reduce some nitrate. What would be my best choice? I have a small yellow tang and flame angel that eat algae. Also what would be the minimum amout of light that is needed to keep these plants alive?

Thanks,
Mo

[lastpuppy7]

What about a net for ure alage plants. That might slow down them eating it.

[Ninong]

Originally Posted by monsterM

Hi,

I would like to add some macro algae to my 55 gal fish and invert tank to help reduce some nitrate. What would be my best choice? I have a small yellow tang and flame angel that eat algae. Also what would be the minimum amout of light that is needed to keep these plants alive?

Thanks,
Mo

You could try halimeda, your yellow tang and flame angel are not likely to eat that.

If you want to use macroalgae that your fish are likely to eat, just make a little "house" out of white eggcrate and place it somewhere hidden in the tank, like behind some live rock or in the rear corner of the tank -- someplace that is not too conspicuous. Just take white eggcrate and cut it into little sections that would make a little open-topped box about 8" long x 4" wide x 6" tall. Tie the pieces together with plastic ties and place the box open side down on the sand bed. Then you would place your macroalgae inside that little "safe house." You can make it any size you want. The fish will only be able to eat whatever sticks out, unless you remove some to feed them. You may have to place a couple pieces of rock on top of it to weight it down.

Most algae requires fairly strong fluorescent lighting to thrive. It all depends on where it came from in the wild.