Local Chara species?

[xenxes]

Anyone know of any local collecting places for macro algae indigent to Florida? I remember reading about someone in FL Springs going snorkeling...

[AquaCentral]

I don't know about Miami, but I've stumbled across some and I have it in a tank. Grows pretty well.

[xenxes]

Any idea what species? From where?

Is it growing in a planted tank or macroalgae only?

I'm thinking of heading back up to Ocala soon for some snorkeling, can't remember if I saw any in those springs.

[artega]

Originally Posted by xenxes

Any idea what species? From where?

Is it growing in a planted tank or macroalgae only?

I'm thinking of heading back up to Ocala soon for some snorkeling, can't remember if I saw any in those springs.

I did see some in Silver Springs, so I am sure there would be some in the surrounding springs.

[demonr6]

I've seen it in freshwater lakes when we went boating.

[AquaCentral]

I've found it in the Oklawaha chain, which has a greyer variant, and a few streams in Winter Park have a greener type. You're going to be able to find it in almost any major lake or water feature in Central FL.

[xenxes]

Very curious as to how they would do in a shrimp tank, since Sulawesi lake bottoms have a large amount of macroalgae, which seems to act as a primary food source. Chara are also covered in calcium carbonate deposits.

I read some conflicting things.. they like limestone and grow better in hard water? Some also recommend to keep them in a macroalgae only tank since plants will outcompete for nutrients.

[AquaCentral]

My chara is doing fine, I'll post some pics later when the camera gets back home Although, it could be doing well because my substrate is aragonite. Reading about the chemical and physiological complexities of chara and other macroalgaes compared to vascular stem plants is quite interesting... I think it's the hydrogen sulfide that really gets me!

[xenxes]

Very cool! Can't wait to see your pics.

There's 2 species being sold by this wholeseller of Sulawesi origin: http://www.aristocratama.com/gallery/plant.html



Both look pretty similar. I definitely want to start a Chara tank, but I also want to keep it planted, hmm.

Sounds like calcium carbonate is a necessity while other things may vary. Think calcium sand and crushed corals will also work? I know there's Aragonite sand @ Petco too. Wonder where I can find some limestone...

Anyway, I'm heading north to one of these places http://www.floridasprings.org/visit/map/ when I get a free weekend!

I should be fine if I collect a ziplock bag of macro algae right? http://myfwc.com/license/aquatic-plants/ says exemption 10 sq. acres of bodies of water not connected to others, not sure if that applies to springs.. lol. The marine guide was much more clear.

[demonr6]

Originally Posted by xenxes

Wonder where I can find some limestone...

Where can't you find limestone.. pretty much every rock you in Florida is limestone. I think you may find it for sale in rock quarries, anyplace that sells stone most likely.

[xenxes]

Originally Posted by demonr6

Where can't you find limestone.. pretty much every rock you in Florida is limestone. I think you may find it for sale in rock quarries, anyplace that sells stone most likely.

Lol I'm so unaware of my surroundings got to get out of the city.

@Aqua, ty for the home depot link, I'll check it out.


Sulawesi tank in the works!!

[TrogdorSlayer22]

There are tons of Chara in the lakes surrounding me. I never knew that what they were called. Nor did I know that they are algae and not plants. They are quite annoying plants when it comes to fishing, but they are great with dipnetting since fish love to hide in them.

[AquaCentral]

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...specifications
What I use.....

[xenxes]

Found some at de leon!

[AquaCentral]

finally got around to it