The Green Algae FAQ & id thread (Phylum Chlorophyta)

[bitts]

The purpose of this thread is to provide a dedicated discussion of these specific macros. please feel free to ask questions about identification, husbandry, growth, & potential for their use in a planted tank.

the major factor in differentiation of the macro algae's is the color. caused by the amount & type of chlorophyll present. this is then influeced by accessory pigments. this combination determines not only color but the ability to survive & compete with other fauna at a given depth. as depth in cresses the amount & type of light becomes increasingly diminished with wavelengths at the blue end of the spectrum being the one's to penetrate the deepest. with the algae responding by shifting to either a red or brown form.

 

 

 

 

types of chlorophyll

(well this is where the guy that was naming them proves to have no imagination, at least they had fun naming the quarks.)

 

they brake down as chlorophyll A, B, C D & F.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chlorophyll

 

accessory pigments

such as phycoerythrin are not as efficient in photosynthesis as chlorophyll. but in lower orders may be the only light capturing protein present. (Bactria) while in higher orders extend the range of wavelengths over which light can drive photosynthesis. (our macro's)

 

 

by now you either geeking out with me or wondering what the hell this has to do with our tanks.

one of the most often asked ? so far is what type of bulb should i be using .

hopefully by understanding the algae & how it is colored. lighting it will become easier.

 

 

 

 

caulerpa

 

one of the most important topics to fall under the green algae label would be, the continuing argument about caulerpa. this can be one of the most useful as well as harmful additions to your tank. before adding make sure to understand the pros & cons throughly to prevent it from crashing the tank. generally the life cycle is of 3-6 months but can be controlled through weekly pruning the stock & or a continues light cycle. thus preventing the algae from "going sexual" or experiencing die off. if this does occur the results can be devastating in an enclosed system. the trouble with caulerpas toxicity though does not end simply with those precautions. even when steps are taking there can still be toxins released into the water column to ensure its dominance. caulerpa can introduce agents to reduce the growth of other macro's which may even effect stony corals. when this takes place in the confines of our tanks the build up to dangerous level can be very quick. another way for this danger to manifest its self is through the build up of toxin in the marine life held there in. while not intentionally forcing our fish & inverts to ingest a toxic food source. placing them in a closed system limits there available food selection inadvertently arriving at this state. so with caulerpa being such a hazard to the tank what is the alternative. chaeto would be the preferred replacement from the green macro's while Gracilariais the likely choice of the reds. the reason for this is there multi cellular structure providing much greater stability. offering a competative growth rate while still maintaining strong nutrient up take & lower toxicity.

 

 

sorry for the work in progress but wanted to get these started.