5 Easy Plants to Grow in Your Saltwater Aquarium or Refugium

When most saltwater enthusiasts think of “macroalgae,” they think about tucking these beautiful aquatic plants away in a refugium, but these gems can really spiff up an aquarium as well. Also known to function as natural filters, these algae efficiently strain nitrates and other accumulating wastes that can build unwanted algae, like brown algae. Along the way, this nitrate-removal operation denies harmful microalgae the sustenance needed to get established. Also, these plants are a source of free oxygen. The following are among the easiest plants to grow in a saltwater tank, and a lot of us at Aquatic Warehouse think they’re also among the most attractive.

1. Spaghetti Algae

Experienced hobbyists are quite familiar with spaghetti algae (chaetomorpha linum), since it’s one of the most reliable performers. This macroalgae, often just referred to as chaeto, puts on a bright-green display of fine curly hairlike strands. Many macroalgae generate compounds that interfere with the growth of coral, but chaeto isn’t one of them. Even better, it lacks the rootlike holdfasts common to other macroalgae species, so it’s easy to remove excess growth. Chaeto grows rapidly and responds positively to light. If there’s an overabundance of nitrates in the water, it’ll signal this by practically taking over the tank.

2. Shaving Brush Algae

Like spaghetti algae, shaving brush algae offers string-like fronds forming clumps that copepods and amphipods love to shelter in. The shaving brush algae (penicillus pyriformis) supports medium-green pom-poms on 5-inch stalks that anchor in substrates, preferably 4 inches deep. This macroalgae needs supplemental calcium to strengthen its stalks.

3. Green Finger Plant

The dark-green, elongated, thick tubular blades of this macroalgae spread out from a single origin for a mesmerizing display. Possessing a velvety surface, the green finger plant (codium fragile) isn’t bothered by fish and can grow up to a foot tall. It also likes temperatures below 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

4. Red Grape Algae

The red air bladders at the ends of the branches (or stipes) keep this macroalgae upright while giving it the appearance of grape clusters. Slowly growing up to 18 inches, it gets additional support from a modest amount of calcium in its stipes, which means calcium supplements are required. As a red macroalgae, red grape algae (botryocladia) is quite attractive to herbivorous fish, so great care must be taken.

5. Blue Ball Algae

If shades of red can make an aquarium shine, adding something blue takes things even further. Technically, blue-colored algae like blue ball algae are members of the red algae family. This member of the species ochtodes ranges from dark blue to purple, with frilly fronds and a ball-shaped form. With a moderate growth rate, this macroalgae can be anchored to the substrate while its holdfasts develop over a few weeks. It’s better to establish blue ball algae away from fish until it’s big enough, since it’s pretty tasty to some species such as tangs.

Beautiful plants can add a splash of color and variety to any saltwater aquarium. Aquatic Warehouse is much more than a trusted provider of aquarium supplies like refugium-specialized LEDs. We also carry koi pond filters and other types of equipment for outdoor ponds. If you have any questions about caring for aquariums or ponds, drop by our Kearny Mesa location or give us a call at 858-467-9297 today.