FAQs about Gracilaria, aka Ogo
Related Articles: Red
Algae in General, Coralline Marine
Algae, Avoiding
Algae Problems in Marine
System, Algae
Control, Marine Maintenance,
Marine Scavengers, Snails, Hermit
Crabs, Mithrax/Emerald
Green Crabs, Sea Urchins, Blennies, Algae
Filters, Ctenochaetus/Bristle Mouth
Tangs, Zebrasoma/Sailfin Tangs,
Skimmers, Skimmer Selection, Marine Algae, Coralline Algae, Green Algae, Brown
Algae, Blue-Green
"Algae"/(Cyanobacteria), Diatoms, Brown
Algae, Algae as
Food,
Related FAQs: Red Algae
ID 1, Red Algae ID 3, Red Algae ID 4, Red
Algae ID5, & Red Algae 1,
Red Algae 2, Red Algae 3, Red
Algae in General, Red Algae 2, Red
Algae 3, Red Algae Behavior,
Red Algae Compatibility,
Red Algae Selection, Red Algae Systems, Red Algae Nutrition, Red Algae Disease, Red Algae Reproduction/Propagation,
Coralline
Algae, Marine Macro-Algae, Use
in Aquariums, Algae as
Food, Marine Algae ID 1,
Marine Algae ID 2, Marine Algae Control FAQs II, Marine Algaecide Use, Nutrient Limitation, Marine Algae Eaters, Culturing Macro-Algae; Controlling: BGA/Cyano, Red/Encrusting Algae, Green Algae, Brown/Diatom Algae,
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Hundreds of species in this genus
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Marine Aquarium Algae Control
by Robert (Bob) Fenner
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Macro Algae Quarantine 3/3/20
Bob,
<Eric>
If you had to throw an overall number out what would say if the
overall risk of putting red ogo macro algae in a tank without
quarantine and some type of parasite (ick or velvet) getting into
the tank.
<Where is the Ogo/Gracilaria from? A few co.s culture this, some in
vast quantities, and there is close to zero chance of parasitic,
disease introduction from them. From another hobbyist's tank? Maybe
some chance... I'd isolate the latter for a couple weeks>
Would washing the algae in a separate bucket of water prior
essentially eliminate the risk?
<Washing? Not really useful. Bob Fenner>
Re: Macro Algae Quarantine 3/3/20
Its coming from live Aquaria which I am assuming it would be coming
from Quality Marine.
<Likely so; and highly likely cultured and sold by two outfits in
Hawaii. I WOULD trust immediate use of this red macrophyte
therefore>
I have a scribbled rabbitfish wont graze on Nori even attached to
the rock. Its everything and grazes on the ogo. I just cant grow it
fast enough to keep up. With how much it eats. It can take down a
pound in a little over a week.
<This genus of algae can be tumble cultured to about double its
biomass every week... DO consider (look... search and read) re if
you'd rather save money on buying it shipped. Bob Fenner>
Re: Macro Algae Quarantine, feeding Nori 3/3/20
Thanks. Will definitely do some reading on better cultivation on the
macro. Any tips on how to get the fish to eat Nori other than
hopefully time?
<No... some fishes (and humans) just don't find Nori palatable...
the above water kind even treated w/ flavourings. BobF>
Scribbled Rabbit Feeding Issue 8/5/19
Bob,
<Eric>
I have had a Doliatus Rabbitfish for a month. It's a smaller guy, around 2
inches.
<Too small to be collected...>
When I first got it, it would devour algae off the clip. For the last week it
hasn't touched it. It is still eating LRS reef frenzy without any issues. Any
ideas on how to get this fish grazing again?
<Time, patience, hope. B>
Thanks,
Eric
Re: Scribbled Rabbit Feeding Issue, Ono Ogo Let's go! 8/6/19
Is red Gracilaria a good choice for feeder algae?
<In general, yes>
Right now I am feeding the fish 4 times a day to compensate for its lack of
algae eating. Hoping
some live macro will do the trick.
<Might well. BobF>
Re: Scribbled Rabbit Feeding Issue; Ogo to the rescue
8/12/19
Bob,
<Eric>
Just wanted to let you know the fish is eating the live macro. Hopefully in time
it will take to eating nori on the clip. I am still making it available daily
but still shows no interest.
<Ah, thank you for this update. BobF>
cyanobacteria vs. macroalgae lighting
2/27/14
Hi Crew,
Under typical aquarium conditions does cyanobacteria have a competitive
advantage over red Gracilaria algae/macro algae in areas of low
intensity lighting?
<Define "typical"... under more/less ideal/ized conditions; no>
I have read on your site that cyanobacteria would have an advantage in low
flow areas (I plan on increasing water flow) but I want to know if I
should plan on adding more light. Tank parameters:
temp=78degF; salinity=1.025; carbonate hardness=10dKH; pH=8.15; ammonia=
0.0; NO3=5ppm; PO4= 0.03ppm.
<More involved of course... >
Thanks,
Mark
P.S. Wet Web Media is an extremely valuable site for the home
aquarist.
Anytime someone asks me about starting an aquarium I point them in your
direction first.
<Ah yes... twenty years on; the site provides all I had hoped for.
Inspiration, information and outlet for my and others efforts. Bob
Fenner>
Re: cyanobacteria vs. macroalgae lighting
2/27/14
Wow! Fast response. The ink on my computer screen wasn't
even dry before I received your reply. I will keep perusing Wet
Web
<Here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/bluegralgae.htm
and the linked files above>
and try to find out what the Gracilaria needs that may be lacking.
My guess is water flow since the shift from macroalgae to cyanobacteria
seems to correlate to removing air stones from the system. I just
wanted to know if lighting could be a contributing factor.
Thanks again, Mark
Red Gracilaria Turning Green
11/25/13
Greetings Dearest Crew!
<Howsit Joe?>
Hope that this message finds you in good spirits!
<Ah yes; thank you>
Just a quick question today. I have a 155 gallon in-wall reef that is 3
months old and doing quite well so far. I've slowly been stocking with
corals from my pre-existing tank but no fish yet.
I have 2 fuges connected, 1 with 5" oolitic sand, the other, 3" of
mud/sand mix. In both, I have Gracilaria algae. I added a small ball of
it when the tank was first filled with water and it has grown
dramatically, filling a large portion of both fuges. As of last week
however, it has turned green, quite quickly too I might add. From a
distance, one could easily mistake it for Chaetomorpha. Both fuges are
roughly 10 gallons each and are each lit with their own 6500K, 14watt
CFL.
I believe that the simplest explanation is that the algae is dying. What
confuses is why it would go downhill so fast after such dramatic growth.
<Mmm, "happens" at times>
Lighting has seemed to be fine despite it not "tumbling" and I don't
think that this is the issue. The only other issue that I can think of
would be the lack of nutrients from running the system fishless,
although I have shrimp and crabs that I feed regularly. In addition, I
"feed" the refugiums every other day or so by throwing some NLS pellets
in.
<Do you measure any actual NO3, HPO4?>
If there was a lack of nutrients, wouldn't the Gracilaria simply stop
growing? Why such a dramatic change?
<Something else might be at play; but can't tell. I would state that all
such algae (and real plants) are actually green (always); that other
pigments just mask the green... I would not give up on the Gracilaria...
but do check the nitrate, phosphate levels... and go a bit heavier on
foods if zip>
Thanks so much!
Joe W.
<Welcome. BobF>
Gracilaria for feeding Tangs 10/15/13
Greetings Bob & Crew!
<Hey Joe, where you goin' with that fish net in your hand, dun dah dah dah
dah>
Hope that this email finds you in good spirits and health!
<Ah yes; thank you>
Just a quick question today. I've had great success with growing red
Gracilaria sp. algae in my 2 refugiums connected to the 155 gallon
display.
The tank is only 2 months old and has no corals or fish yet, only snails
to battle the diatoms. In the future I will be adding at least 2 tangs
to the display and just wanted to pick your brain as to which would be
the most suitable to dine on Gracilaria. From reading my beloved copy of
"Reef Invertebrates",
<Oh! Recently found a case in the garage... New copies are being offered
on Amazon.com for a low starting price of 84 US!>
I've learned that Tangs are often specific with the type of algae they
consume.
<Ah yes>
Bob did an awesome job specifying which Tang eats turf, bubble, hair,
and other algaes. However, I didn't find information in regards to which
species often consumes Gracilaria. From my reading, most Tangs are
likely to accept it, especially live, but I would like to go beyond this
and purchase one that likely specifically eats this algae in nature.
<Yes to this as well. The genus is quite large (a few hundred described
species) w/ some being more palatable than others... "the" Ogo is often
taken readily by most all...>
Taking advantage of nutrient recycling is a great concept and I'm hoping
to indefinitely continue the cycle with this system.
Thanks so much for everything you've done for the hobby!
Joe Westwood
<Ah, welcome. My first choices in tangs in general are members of the
genera Ctenochaetus and smaller sized Zebrasomas... there are others;
gone over in articles, FAQs files archived on/as WWM. Cheers, Bob
Fenner>
Re: Gracilaria for feeding Tangs 10/15/13
Thank you Bob!
<Welcome Joe>
I will check out the WWM articles more carefully. Definitely adding a
Ctenochaetus sp. to the tank for diatom control. I'm hoping for a
Chevron but the pocketbook is leaning towards a Kole!
<Both fine choices>
Any idea on how the Paracanthurus sp. would take to Gracilaria?
<Yes; eat with gusto>
I was hoping to add one of these guys despite their reputation for getting
sick more often.
<Better than a few others...>
However, I have read that they feed more on Zoo-plankton as compared to
other Tang species.
<Mmm, not really... only one species of Surgeon is mostly carnivorous, and
that species of Acanthurus doesn't make it into the trade>
Thank you!!
Joe
<Cheers, BobF>
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New Print and
eBook on Amazon
Marine Aquarium Algae Control
by Robert (Bob) Fenner
|
|
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