I'm back...

[richardsantink]

P1010009.jpgP1010010.JPGP1010012.jpgAfter a year or so of not playing with coldwater macroalgae, I'm back to playing with what I like best! I filled up my 125g tank again in late August (09), with a variety of Chondrus, Chaetomorpha, Enteromorpha, and some Desmarestia. I wasn't too diligent in September and October, and lost a good number of Chondrus and Desmarestia. As the water turned considerably colder (~40F) the Chaetomorpha dropped off as well.

So, now that my work has slowed, I've had time to pay more attention to the tank, and resume my regular dosing. A few weeks ago, I was surprised to find completely new growth of Palmaria palmata on a blue mussel (which my resident Asterias population took care of!). It continues to grow quite nicely with numerous stipes/fronds developing.

I've posted some photos here - not the best quality, but angling the camera, and a shakey arm combined with a slow shutter, makes it hard!!

Looking forward to catching up on everything I've missed on barrreport.com in the last year!!

Cheers,

Rich

P.S. You can see Asterias vulgaris feeding on a scallop at the end of my bamboo tongs in the background of one photo!