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A nice video presentation from a Hawaiian scientist on Halimeda. I found this video on Youtube and the presenter gives a very insightful view on Hawaiian Halimeda, its life cycle and general ecology. Worth the watch if you are interested in keeping this certain macro-algae.
Halimeda which is sometimes referred to as the cactus algae is generally an accepted macro algae for reef aquariums. While this type of slow growing aquatic plant is often sought after for its growth rate, ease of pruning and aesthetic looks it also serves as a nutrient export for the reef aquarium.
A couple of months ago I have noticed some new growth in my reef aquarium that I have not noticed before in the four or five years that I have owned this aquarium. Keep in mind that I built this mini ecosystem from scratch collecting rocks from the Caribbean to Fiji. I noticed that new plant life was developing, this new plant life which I now know as Halimeda opuntia. At first I was pleasantly surprised that I acquired this sought after reef aquarium macro algae even though I did not deliberately purchase or trade for it, It just showed up. I usually show most uninvited guests the door as soon as I find out that they have shown up but this wasn’t the case with Halimeda. Halimeda is a flat leaved marine plant that is build on calcium. It is a good sign for reef aquariums because it is a indicator of proper alkalinity and calcium levels. I have pruned my Halimeda a couple of times since it has shown up and It has a very firm grip on the live rocks it is growing out of. This Macro algae will turn white (due to its calcium carbonate skeleton) when it is dying or after it has been pruned.
The Algae Codium Fragile as pictured above and below is a species of algae that we sometimes come across in our marine reef tanks. There are other names for this type of algae such as dead man’s hands or dead man’s fingers. This is a slow growing algae in my reef tank and it only shows up when the water conditions are very good. When I see this algae start to grow I can tell that my other algae’s such as Halimeda will soon sprout and grow as well. Right now I am letting this algae grow even though it is considered a nuisance algae becouse there is a galaxy coral right on top of it. Nether the galaxy coral or the codium fragile seem to be effected by one another. I would assume that this would make a good algae to have in a refuge because of its slow growing nature and its “hairy” tentacles may appeal to pods.
