Macroalgae question

[Mike&Pam]

I have read several times on this board that people put macroalgae in their sumps to help solve some problems. First off, what exactly does this help? I have too much green on my live rock that kind of counteracts the purple that I want to take over. Second, what do you mean by adding "macroalgae?" Does it come in a bottle and what exactly would the title be and what brand?

Thanks,
Mike

 

[MedicineMan1]

Mike,
Macroalgea is, as the name implies, "big" algae. It looks like a plant in that it often grows on "vines" or in clumpy "leaves". However, it's lacking something that keeps it from being a true plant.
The purpose is nitrate reduction. With a lighted sump (some go 24/7, others reverse their display tank cycle) the macroalgae will incorporate nitrate into its tissues, much like nitrogen fertilizer for your lawn. HTH

 

[reefland]

It also helps to offset the pH drop that happens at night. It provides yet another location for critters to grow. You can often snip out some macro algaes to provide fresh foods for your tangs. And many fish stores accept macro algaes for store credit.