Algae-the plants of the marine water
Algae & plants in the marine water
Unlike in freshwater there are few higher developed plants in the ocean, apart from seaweeds (Posidonia, Zostera etc.). They develop real roots and form blossoms but can hardly, if at all, be kept in aquariums. Mangroves also live in marine water, but as above water plants with their roots in the marine water. They provide open marine aquariums with a very beautiful supplement because they withdraw many unwanted nutrients from the water.
Apart from this, the sea is home to numerous and sometimes very decorative algae species which range from only a few centimetres to 45 m long (kelp). Algae don’t have real roots, even if they sometimes look like they do. A lot of algae species are welcomed as eagerly and maintained as carefully as any freshwater plant. You only need to take care that they don’t grow excessively and overgrow your corals.
Growth and removal
Remove the excessive algae on a regular basis, but never too much in one go. In case of undesired algae growth we advise a limitation of nutrients (nitrate & phosphate).
You can find further information about water values in marine aquariums here: Water values .
As an alternative or as an additional measure predators of the relevant algae species are a good way to combat algae naturally. Algae eaters, such as surgeon fish or blennies, but also crabs, are highly recommended.
Red coralline algae
The decorative red coralline algae are a special case because they specifically need magnesium to grow. Measure your magnesium content ( X JBL Mg/Ca Magnesium/ Calcium Test ) and increase it, if required, with JBL MagnesiuMarin or with a chalk reactor.
Examples of attractive ornamental algae
There are species of algae that look so pretty that they embellish any marine aquarium.
Good growth is a sign of perfect water quality. Make sure your corals are not in the shade.
Grows enormously fast and must be limited in its growth. Do not remove too many algae from the aquarium at once, remove them “in small portions”.
It’s fine to bring it back from your Mediterranean holiday and put it in your aquarium. Again, take care that it does not overgrow everything. C. prolifera has the lowest water quality requirements of all Caulerpa species.
Easily recognisable by its toothed thalli (in algae the leaves are called "thalli"). Grows more slowly than the other Caulerpa species. However, it also indicates good water quality.
They also tolerate slightly muddy soil and some water pollution, but are quite hard to buy. Algae are not subject to any export or natural resource extraction laws and can therefore be imported from other countries without any problems and with full legal compliance.
Examples of unwanted algae
You can find these and how to combat them here: Algae - the plants of the marine water