Ulva is common worldwide in a wide variety of species and locations. It lives in both temperate and tropical waters seasonally and prefers water temps of 60-78 degrees. Most are composed of smooth, ruffled disks attached to rocks, shells or hard bottom by a single holdfast. Other forms include strips or tubes protruding from the center of the plant. A fast grower, it’s use is nearly as popular in the refugium as Chaetomorpha. Not only does it efficiently remove excess nutrients from the aquarium, but it is very palatable to a number of fish and invertebrates. Ulva is also an excellent macro algae for culturing both copepods and amphipods in the aquarium. Although it will attach, typically Ulva is tumbled or allowed to simply float in a refugium. It can be problematic in a refugium if the return pump is not protected, as it can clog up plumbing systems. Very palatable to fish.
Scientific Name: Ulva sp.
Common Name: Sea Lettuce
Origin: Worldwide Distribution
Depth Collected: 1-8 Feet
Maximum Height : 8″ mound
Growth Rate: Fast
Light: Moderate to High
Temperature: 60-78
Propagation: Fragmentation, Sporulation
Difficulty: Easy
Food Value: Very Palatable
Nutrient Uptake: Excellent
Flow Rate: Moderate