Trace Elements for Red Macroalgae Refugium

[andrek787]

I wanted to ask for suggestions on supplements that would prevent red macroalgae refugium from depleting elements needed for SPS\LPS corals.

I am currently treating with high phosphates 0.3ppm+ and rising nitrates 30-40ppm via in sump refugium filled with tumbling galcilaria, ogo and sea lettuce. Red algae seems to be outcompeting sea lettuce. Refugium has a A360x Tuna Sun and A360x Tuna Blue @100% on all channels as light source. My glass is getting covered in film algae within a couple of days of cleaning. I started carbon dosing via pellets 3-4 weeks ago and followed up with 10ml per day of NP-minus.

 

[JoJosReef]

interested. following.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I expect they use the same trace elements as corals, so there is no special short list of trace elements they use. They will most rapidly deplete iron and manganese, I expect.

 

[andrek787]

I expect they use the same trace elements as corals, so there is no special short list of trace elements they use. They will most rapidly deplete iron and manganese, I expect.

I understand red macroalgae seems to absorb more micro-nutrients than it actually needs. I have been dosing 1mL of Triton Infusion per day, as I understand that is designed to account for trace element uptake by red\green macroalgae, but the recommended dosage is based on coral's alkalinity consumption not biomass production. I ordered AquaForest Red Boost as that contains magnesium, manganese, iron and molybdenum, perhaps to use in combination with CheatoGrow.

I guess the only way to actually tell is to starting sending in ICP tests.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I understand red macroalgae seems to absorb more micro-nutrients than it actually needs.

Who is claiming that? I’m not even sure how one would prove it.

 

[twentyleagues]

Doesnt @TSA Corals use a large sump containing tumbling pom pom algae? Maybe see what they do if anything for trace?

 

[andrek787]

Who is claiming that? I’m not even sure how one would prove it.

This is my hypothesis based on reading through a few research papers on the subject of trace elements in marine macroalgae. Most research is in regards to suitability for human consumption and use. This paper is particularly relevant:

Minerals from Macroalgae Origin: Health Benefits and Risks for Consumers

 

[andrek787]

Doesnt @TSA Corals use a large sump containing tumbling pom pom algae? Maybe see what they do if anything for trace?

My current refugium setup is based on TSA's refugium design, but I did not find a specific product that they make, sell and/or use for supplementing trace elements.

 

[twentyleagues]

My current refugium setup is based on TSA's refugium design, but I did not find a specific product that they make, sell and/or use for supplementing trace elements.

I tagged them so maybe theyll answer. Maybe reach out to them? They seem helpful.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

This is my hypothesis based on reading through a few research papers on the subject of trace elements in marine macroalgae. Most research is in regards to suitability for human consumption and use. This paper is particularly relevant:

Minerals from Macroalgae Origin: Health Benefits and Risks for Consumers

I have no doubt they contain many trace elements, and some can contain high levels of iodine especially, it’s just the comment about taking up more than they need which seems odd to claim and difficult to prove.

 

[andrek787]

I have no doubt they contain many trace elements, and some can contain high levels of iodine especially, it’s just the comment about taking up more than they need which seems odd to claim and difficult to prove.

I agree that hypothesis is hard to back up with data. One would need to compare relative increase in biomass (biological productivity) to the trace element uptake. I think there are three pieces of information that suggest this may be the case. First, macroalgae uptake heavy metals from their environment including ones like lead and cadmium that do not have a biological role. Second, data suggest there is a great variation in quantity of trace element content depending on the location of they are collected. Third, based on the data included in that paper, ulva contains 10x less trace elements compared to red\brown macroalgae, however ulva is far more biologically successful based on distribution.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I agree that hypothesis is hard to back up with data. One would need to compare relative increase in biomass (biological productivity) to the trace element uptake. I think there are three pieces of information that suggest this may be the case. First, macroalgae uptake heavy metals from their environment including ones like lead and cadmium that do not have a biological role. Second, data suggest there is a great variation in quantity of trace element content depending on the location of they are collected. Third, based on the data included in that paper, ulva contains 10x less trace elements compared to red\brown macroalgae, however ulva is far more biologically successful based on distribution.

Well, I'll just point out that all organisms, including corals, fish, and people absorb elements they do not use, from mercury to uranium.

I understanding this is a tangential point of dubious value to debate, but one would have to know what every element was used for to know if the organisms was taking in too much or just the right amount.

Some elements, for example, are taken in by seaweed to help make it less palatable to herbivores or epiphytes. How do we know how much is too much or too little in any given setting?