Halimeda Plant

 Quick Care Facts

• Care Level: Moderate   • Lighting: Moderate to High   • Placement: Lower
• Maximum Size: 24"   • Water Conditions: 72-82° F, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025, KH 8-12
• Propagation: Clippings   • Coloration: Green   • Supplements: Calcium, Trace Elements, Iron
• Origin: Tropics   • Family: Halimedaceae   • Species: Halimeda

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The Halimeda Plant (Halimeda sp.) is a calcareous form of green macroalgae that is found growing throughout the worlds tropical regions. Calcareous species like the Halimeda Plant require calcium carbonate, calcium or limestone in order to grow each segment of the plant. The joints between the calcareous growths are flexible, which allow the plant to cope with water currents and disturbances from large fish or invertebrates.

Halimeda macroalgae is coveted within the marine aquarium for its attractive appearance and controlled growth rate. Halimeda Plants can coexist with both sessile invertebrates and corals, as they grow upwards towards the light and do not infringe on nearby neighbors. This plant is also suitable for most FOWLR aquariums as most fish species will not eat the Halimeda Plant. However, Halimeda macroalgae is intolerant of high levels of nitrate or phosphate that are often found in elevated levels in FOWLR aquariums.

Halimeda calcareous algae grow well in environments with high calcium, medium light, very low levels of nitrates and phosphates, and low amounts of iron in the 0.05 ppm range. Halimeda grows more upwards that outwards, thus they are generally planted in a sandy substrate or attached to live rock that is placed on the aquarium or sump substrate.

Planting the Halimeda Plant in the substrate allows it plenty of room to grow before requiring pruning. This does not do well when pruned too often; therefore, it is better to plant it in such a way that it will have plenty of room for growth. In addition to moderate to high lighting and a steady supply of calcium supplementation, the Halimeda Plant requires low levels of dissolved nutrients like nitrate and phosphate.

Halimeda macroalgae require plenty of calcium, some iron and moderate lighting in order to thrive within the marine aquarium environment. They will also grow in other lighting conditions, but will always require a steady source of calcium in order to build their calcareous based structure. They should be provided moderate water flow and water that is low in dissolved nutrients.