Tropical Fish Forums

[Michael L.]

Stupid question. The title is self explanitory... I know that most of the pest algaes grow naturally, but do you have to purchase the "good" ones, or do they grow naturally as well?
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[FloridaBoy]

MICRO varieties usually start on their own; brown diatoms usually pioneer first, then green micros will take over... outside of reef tanks these are not always considered pest forms, in fact green micros can be beneficial to fish only systems. MACROS on the other hand (Gracillaria, Chaetomorpha) will need to be added at some point, hobbyists usually find good use for these in reverse lighted sumps, tumblling veggie filters, etc. all designed for nutrient export purposes.
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Keepin' marines happy for 25 years

[Michael L.]

So you are saying that at some point I will have to add the macros, and they will not naturally occur?
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[number6]

I picked live rock that had bits on each. Chaeto, caulerpa, Gracilaria, Halimeda, etc.

Halimeda is one of the best looking just like christmas cactus without taking over like the Caulerpa does
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"Just don't look in my fish room honey... it's just better for all of us. "

[dale]

Here's a form of Chaetomorpha



and Halymenia (Floridaboy, am I confusing this with Gracillaria? I purchased it under the common name Dragons tongue)



I also had a form of Caleurpa and it did grow fast but I was too worried about it going sexual and trashed it.

I purchased both of these at $10 a big handful.
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Intelligence is not having all the answers; it's knowing how to think!

[FloridaBoy]

[FloridaBoy]

[dale]

I think it is gracillaria.
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Intelligence is not having all the answers; it's knowing how to think!