Not sure this post belongs in the reef forum but there didn't seem to be a better place to put it.

I don't really like the look of fish only tanks and live rock on it's own just looks a bit sad and fuzzy. I don't want to keep corals because of the care they need. I thought macro algae could be the answer. I've done some searching and found a few pics of marine 'planted' tanks that are really beautiful. I've not been able to find much info about tank setup though. Is it the same as for a reef tank? Does it need the same light as a reef tank or is it more like a FW planted tank?

I'm thinking about a 15 or 30 gallon tank with a couple of fish or shrimp. I don't expect spectacular, I just want a tank that I can do a bit of 'gardening' in to create a more attractive and natural looking setting for the fish. Does any one have a tank like this? Does anyone have advice?

Put the container near a window where it will get lots of sunlight. Sunlight is crucial to algae growth. It will speed the process if you put a small piece of lettuce in the container.

Thanks brown, but that would be for making the fish fry food type, I'm talking about macro algae i.e. sea weed. Some of them are quite large and very beautiful.

Before 1990 or so marco algaes were considered necessary and a sign of a healthy aquarium.

You might tank a look ad