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Red Algae (Rhodophyta)
This group of red algae is called Rhodophyta, they consist of approx 6,000 species and most of them are marine seaweeds.
They get their red appearance due to the pigment call phycoerythin, which absorbs blue light and reflects back red light. Their coloration, will depend on how much of this pigment they reflect and can range from reddish yellow to bright red to greenish blue and brown.
Because blue light penetrates much deeper than our colors, these algae usually live at deeper depths and are well adapted to low lighting conditions.
They can be added to your saltwater aquarium by introducing live rocks.
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The most common are from of Red Algae called coralline algae, which secrete a hard calcareous shell the way corals do.
They are also considered to be important in the formation of tropical reef.
They are beneficial to your saltwater aquarium, encrusting rocks and even spreading to fixtures and glass.
For more information on types of Algae’s see below:
- Chlorophyta or Green Algae
- Rhodophyta or Red Algae
- Phaeophyta group - Brown Algae
- Diatoms
- A group of bacteria called the Cyanobacteria - Blue-green Algae
For general information on Saltwater Aquarium Algae click here.
Recommended Algae Products by Saltwater Aquarium Guide
Text and Photo Source: Saltwater Aquarium Online Guide
Nitrogen Cycle- the process
When you have completed setting up your saltwater aquarium, you can begin to add some hardy saltwater fish such as damselfish – popular fish if you are nitrogen cycle your aquarium and feed them regularly as this will begin the process.
Another alternative is live rock because dying matter in the live rock produces the ammonia source that you require. Ammonia level will rise rapidly because you do not have the adequate concentration of the right types of bacteria. Then the fish will become stressed and discomforted such as rapid breathing.
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The first stage of bacteria are now beginning to start and after a couple days the ammonia levels will peak then begin to drop. Now the ammonia levels will reach zero as the first stage bacteria will convert to Nitrite.
Now nitrite levels will begin to rise and if your fish are not strong they wont last past this stage.
A few more weeks or so later, nitrite level will reach its peak. Your saltwater fish again will show signs of stress. Small water changes of up to one fifth will help protect the saltwater fish against toxic chemicals in the water during nitrogen cycle.
Second stage bacteria are established and will multiply. Nitrite level will then drop and nitrate becomes detectable.
First and second stage bacteria are now established at this point of the cycle and will be able to keep up with the ammonia created from the fish, turning it into nitrate and then quickly converting it into nitrate.
The saltwater aquarium tank should now be fully cycled. You can now slowly start adding more livestock in your aquarium and allow the bacteria to work.
Text and Photo Source: Saltwater Aquarium Online Guide
Nitrogen Cycle in Saltwater Aquariums
It has many names Nitrogen cycle, cycling, nitrification, biological cycle, startup cycle, break-in cycle – its what all aquariums need to undergo this process. Basically the nitrogen cycle is when beneficial bacteria are established in your saltwater aquarium.
We will discuss and learn how it works, how long it will take to get the cycle completed, ways you can do to cycle the saltwater aquarium and the important function the nitrogen process plays in keeping your saltwater aquarium working properly.
The process of the nitrogen cycle can take from 2 weeks or longer, there is no exact time frame as each aquarium set up is different.
Factors that determine where you are in the process are based on how many fish or other livestock, and organic matter you have in your aquarium.
The three components that are involved are ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. Test your water often during the process and log your readings. This will tell you what phase the aquarium is in.
The best way to monitor the nitrogen cycle process is by usng a saltwater test kit that will test the three components involve in the process.
Text and Photo Source: Saltwater Aquarium Online Guide
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