Macro Algae

[Meditation]

Hey y'all, I had an idea to test out different types of macro algae and see their different absorption rates of nutrients (nitrates, salinity, calcium, etc.), I wanna see if I can quantify the effects they have on a controlled reef environment.

I've always been piqued by ULM aquarium as well as minimizing the need to do water changes frequently due to nitrate build up. So I intend to do some rudimentary tests over a period of time and control for as many variables as I can to see if different algae are good at absorbing different nutrients at specific rates.

Let me know if you have any macro algae that you're looking to get rid of. So far I have no strains so I'll take anything you got!

Update!: 11/29/24; Chaeto, Caulpera, and a small portion of Red Tongue Algae have been acquired! Looking for agar, and all other types of macro algae still!

Edited November 30 by Meditation
Updating the post to reflect developments in the project

[Eatfrenchfries]

Are you going to do ICP test or handheld tests? 

[Meditation]

7 hours ago, Eatfrenchfries said:

Are you going to do ICP test or handheld tests? 

Insane Clown Posse? Lol just kidding. I plan to do all the testing myself, unless you know of a free testing service. Local shops test tank water, but I don't think they'd be happy with me coming in every week with however many samples lol So to answer you directly, handheld tests~

[LadAShark]

Nitrate accumulation is far from being the issue in an established system, quite the opposite actually, even without that much algae. 
 

There are really two issues that plague reefs once phosphates and nitrates are balanced (multiple solid ways to do it, carbon/phosphate/nitrate dosing the limiting is one of the best ways and even necessary without chemical removal). 
 

The issues are: 1) dissolved organic carbons, particularly those from algae, warring corals, and certain bacteria; certain sponges and bacteria can help convert these into usable doc's for corals, however relying on these is difficult; macroalgae can indeed uptake some DOC's, but the former two are the powerhouses and necessary in nature for reef function 2) trace nutrient deficiency or excesses, often immeasurable due to being bound in different forms

 

Often nitrogen ends up being the limiting compound, actually, and there are instructions on dosing ammonia to remedy this (as corals preferentially uptake ammonia over nitrate).

[Meditation]

3 minutes ago, LadAShark said:

Nitrate accumulation is far from being the issue in an established system, quite the opposite actually, even without that much algae. 
 

There are really two issues that plague reefs once phosphates and nitrates are balanced (multiple solid ways to do it, carbon/phosphate/nitrate dosing the limiting is one of the best ways and even necessary without chemical removal). 
 

The issues are: 1) dissolved organic carbons, particularly those from algae, warring corals, and certain bacteria; certain sponges and bacteria can help convert these into usable doc's for corals, however relying on these is difficult; macroalgae can indeed uptake some DOC's, but the former two are the powerhouses and necessary in nature for reef function 2) trace nutrient deficiency or excesses, often immeasurable due to being bound in different forms

 

Often nitrogen ends up being the limiting compound, actually, and there are instructions on dosing ammonia to remedy this (as corals preferentially uptake ammonia over nitrate).

While I appreciate the information. It is also tangential to the idea of my original post, and kind of assumes things about my overall goals (and knowledge) that don't need to be assumed. This post is about the nutrient uptake outcomes of various macro algae. Not how I should refocus my project to matured reefs needs. 

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and thanks for contributing.

[LadAShark]

21 hours ago, Meditation said:

While I appreciate the information. It is also tangential to the idea of my original post, and kind of assumes things about my overall goals (and knowledge) that don't need to be assumed. This post is about the nutrient uptake outcomes of various macro algae. Not how I should refocus my project to matured reefs needs. 

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and thanks for contributing.

But all of what I mentioned are nutrients? 

[Meditation]

1 hour ago, LadAShark said:

But all of what I mentioned are nutrients? 

Not quite. Given that my specific project is on the direct uptake of nutrients from macro algae in a controlled setting. These will not be tested in my tank, but separate vessels. So worrying about dissolved organic matter, what is and isn't consuming it, and balancing that with what the corals need, is outside of the scope of this specific project. I stand by what I said that your original post is tangential to my original project idea, and assumes things that don't need to be assumed.