Adding AlgaeBarn Macroalgae To Your Tank - Macro Algae Reef Tank Build Ep. 4

Remy gets a shipment from AlgaeBarn containing five different species macroalgae and carefully stocks the refugium display tank to compliment the aquascape and accommodate the growth patterns of the various macroalgae.  

When creating an inspiring display of macro, it's important to lean on the variety of color and growth patterns to achieve that dynamic or diverse-looking scape. This can be tricky because some macro will grow much faster or differently than others. Some grow up, some grow out, some cover the rocks like a plague. Choosing the wrong algae or placing it without foresight can quickly allow one species to dominate the entire display, choking out some of the prettier or slower-growing species. Like stocking any tank, planning and research are critical.

That said, you can safely add a variety of different macroalgae species all at one time without any sort of negative effect. Sometimes you might consider letting the slower-growing species establish first in the tank, then stock some faster-growing species later on. Pruning the macroalgae will eventually be necessary to keep things looking nice and prevent competition for space and nutrients.

Speaking of nutrients, don't forget to test and monitor nitrate and phosphate levels in your macroalgae tank, these are critical for the survival of macroalgae. If you're not getting enough nutrients via livestock, dosing Brightwell NeoNitro, NeoPhos, and ChaetoGro can be a great solution for adding both nutrients and critical trace elements to your macro display.