ECC Atomic Broccoli Macro Algae

Quick facts

Identity

Also known as

Ruffled Halymenia; Burning Bush; Orange Galaxy

Synonyms

Halymenia dilatata; Augophyllum wysorii

Environment

Saltwater

Native to

Indo-Pacific

Habitat

Shallow tropical reef flats and lagoons, growing attached to rock or rubble in areas with moderate water movement

Sourcing

Aquacultured

Conservation

Not Evaluated

Care

Care level

Easy

Growth form

Macroalgae

Max height

1 – 3 in (2.5 – 7.6 cm)

Spread

3 in (7.6 cm)

Growth rate

Moderate

Placement

Midground

Water

Temperature

75 – 80 °F (24 – 27 °C)

pH

8.1 – 8.4

dKH

8 – 9.5 dKH

Salinity

1.024 – 1.026 SG

PAR

150 – 300 PAR

Flow

Moderate-High

Light

Medium

CO₂

Not needed

Planting

Substrate

Not needed

Feeds from

Water column

Fertilizer needs

Medium

Colors

Red, Orange

Feeding & breeding

Propagation

Cuttings

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Care guide

Overview

Refugiums and low-herbivore display tanks suit this red macroalga best, since its soft, ruffled blades are easily grazed by tangs and angelfish. Fronds form bushy, broccoli-like clumps flecked with sparkling orange dots under strong lighting, drawing down nitrate and phosphate as they grow. Moderate to strong flow keeps branches tumbling and free of detritus.

Care

This red macroalgae grows as a bushy, ruffled clump of fleshy blades that develop small orange to sparkling dots under lighting. It does best in a refugium or display with moderate to strong water movement that keeps the branches gently tumbling, which prevents detritus buildup and encourages even growth on all sides. Keep nitrate and phosphate at measurable levels, since growth stalls and the algae can deteriorate in an ultra-low-nutrient system.

Planting & trimming

Rest a small holdfast piece on live rock or rubble in a spot with moderate to strong flow, or leave it loose in a tumbling refugium so all sides receive light; no substrate or attachment glue is required. Trim back overgrown branches periodically to control size and redistribute the remaining growth for even light exposure.

Fertilizing

Growth is fueled by dissolved nitrate and phosphate in the water column rather than any added food, so no fertilizing or dosing is required beyond maintaining detectable nutrient levels. In a nutrient-starved reef tank supplemental nitrate or phosphate dosing may be needed to sustain healthy color and growth. Strong white or full-spectrum lighting supports photosynthesis and intensifies the sparkling coloration.

Propagation

Propagates readily by cutting healthy branches from an established colony and placing the fragments in a lit, flow-rich area of a refugium or display, where they attach naturally or simply continue growing loose.

Problems

Portions of the thallus can die back and disintegrate if flow is too low or if nutrient levels drop close to zero, so periodic manual turning helps avoid dead spots in low-flow setups. Regular harvesting of overgrown portions keeps the colony vigorous and prevents self-shading of inner branches. Sudden light changes or long shipping stress can cause bleaching or localized melting of the blades.

Sources

1. Atomic Broccoli Macro Algae | Buy Live Macro Algae for Refugiums - Vivid Aquariums
2. Orange Galaxy Macroalgae | Augophyllum wysorii/Halymenia stipitata – MosaicMacros
3. Orange Galaxy - Halymenia Stipitata – The Algae Plug
4. Atomic Broccoli Macroalgae - Reef Genetics – Top Shelf Aquatics

More Macroalgae

Chaeto (Spaghetti Algae) Chaetomorpha (+10 cm Ball)ECC Chaetomorpha Macro AlgaeECC Red Pom Pom Gracilaria Macro AlgaeORA Chaetomorpha Macro Algae (1/4lb)