live algae for tangs

[JMsAquarium]

Hi people,

 

I would like to plant some algae in the main tank for my tangs. I cannot make them eat any kind of dry weeds I bought at the LFS. So the idea is that if I plant some macro algae, they may graze on it.

The question is, what kind of algae and how to plant it and how to make it grow. Do I plant it on the main tank? Or do I plant it in the sump or refugium then drop some regularly in the tank?

 

The main tank is a 120 gal with about 4 inches of live sand. Let's hear your ideas.

Thanks

 

JM

[Gatortailale]

I cannot make them eat any kind of dry weeds I bought at the LFS.

I have used nori from asian shop with success - make sure unflavored & I guess no salt.

 

I also use seaweed selects.

http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=A6

 

2 tanks and the tangs love it - Yellow, purple, regal, bristle tooth tomini & Atlantic blue - even majestic, emperor, flame and potters angels love it.

 

I tried sprungs stuff - no much luck with that.

HTH

[Guest LoveReef]

i would go to korean market and buy the sweed for 5 dollars..

i bought it 2 years ago..and i have 1/5 used..........

 

you should buy dried..not roasted..........

[JMsAquarium]

I tried them already, roasted and not roasted nori and another kind too from asian markets as well as from the LFS (Seaweed Select). But I can'y get them to touch it. Even after a few days, it is obvious that they don't touch it. I placed them on rocks on a clip in different locations in the tank but it is still a no no. I've been trying for months. That's why I am thinkink about planting some live algae.

So far they love spirulina enriched brine but I want to vary their diet.

[Larry Grenier]

I used to have a bunch of spagetti algae (forgot the scientific name) in my sump-fugeium and would regularly harvest it and put a little in the tank for my 1 yellow tang.  He seemed to enjoy eating it.  It is easy to control as it doesn't have any hold-fasts.  I gave-away several big clumps a year ago so there should be alot around.

[Eve]

I got some red algea that looks like caulerpa - very pretty red color - from Dave Sandstrom.  He posted that he had extra a while back.   As soon as I got it I put it in the reef with 2 tangs and they went straight for it like I rang a dinner bell :-)  Since feeding them wasn't the reason I got it, I had to take it out right away and put it in another tank.  It was attached to a rock and it's been growing nicely in the other tank.  The only problem you may have is keeping the tangs from eating it too fast and not giving it enough of a chance to grow.  

 

Check with Dave - he may have more.

[Lee Stearns]

I rotate a piece of live rock from my Refuge with grape and or feather calurpa growing on it. Within a week it is completely stipped clean- I would be careful just putting some in the sand- as it will get pulled up and end up growing more or less out of control behind some rock structure. My Tangs do not like the Spaghetti Macro, or Rasor Calurpa. I too am growing some unattached Red macro in the fuge and let a bit of it float in the main tank occasionally and have it jumped upon by all the tangs- Powder, yellow, and hippo. But then My tangs like Nori, and the peels of zuchini squash in a vegie clip. There is also Spirulina flake that is inexpensive- but I only use them when I am in a hurry- Worry a bit about the phosphates.

[Caribbean Jake]

Sounds like you have a finicky eater.  Try dosing the algae in garlic before giving it to your tangs.  It works great when fishing.

 

Jacob

[Grav]

Hey, LARRY!?!?!

 

Long time man, how ya been?

 

You gave me a green slimer frag a year ago, that was just getting by for a long time and is now exploding with happness.

[Larry Grenier]

Hey Phil(Grav)!,

 

Been fine thanks, hope all is well.

 

When I return to the reef hobby I'll be looking for some green slimer frags hint hint [ws]

[Grav]

Larry,

 

Frags of green slimer and more are standing by.

 

Did I see something about a moving sale in another post?

 

Phil