Ulva Lettuce Algae

 Quick Care Facts

• Care Level: Moderate   • Lighting: Moderate to High   • Placement: Any
• Maximum Size: 12"   • Water Conditions: 64-80° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
• Propagation: Pruning   • Coloration: Green   • Supplements: Trace elements, magnesium, iron
• Origin: Found globally   • Family: Ulvaceae   • Species: Sea Lettuce

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Ulva Lettuce Algae (Ulva sp.) is a popular macro algae amongst marine aquarium hobbyists both for its filtration capabilities and as a supplemental food source for herbivorous fish species. Ulva Lettuce Algae is typically sold in free floating clumps that can be placed in a refugium or sump compartment.

It is important to place the Ulva Lettuce Algae in a location with high water flow as this will allow the macro algae to filter a greater amount of nitrate and phosphate from the aquarium. This will increase both its filtration capabilities and will cause it to grow faster so that plant matter fed to fish can be quickly replaced.

Since the Ulva Lettuce Algae requires high water flow and is free floating, it should ideally be located in a sump compartment that is part of the main aquarium filter system. Add on refugiums typically do not have enough water flow to provide enough nutrients for the Ulva Lettuce Algae to go rapidly and thrive. Sump based refugiums that are in-line with the main filtration pump are more ideally suited as the entire water volume of the aquarium passes through the sump multiple times per hour.

Once the macro algae has utilized the nitrates and phosphates in the aquarium water for its growth, it can then be fed to fish or pruned and removed from the aquarium. This process is called nutrient export, since the nutrients are completely removed from the water column.

Hobbyists looking to grow Ulva Lettuce Algae for a supplemental food source for their fish will want to place the plant in a well lit sump or refugium with a moderate amount of water flow. The plant can be easily pruned and placed into the display tank for fish to feed on. Ulva Lettuce Algae is a highly sought after form or macro-algae that most herbivore fish species will readily consume, which along with its high nutritional value make it an excellent supplemental food source.