- Sku: ACATOMB
- Vendor: Eye Catching Coral
Atomic Broccoli Macro Algae (Augophyllum wysorii)
The Atomic Broccoli Macroalgae (Augophyllum wysorii) is one of the most eye-catching ornamental macroalgae in the saltwater hobby: a deep red, finely branched bush dusted with glowing orange specks that look like tiny broccoli florets under reef lighting. Beyond the color, it is a workhorse nutrient exporter that pulls nitrate and phosphate out of the water while giving copepods and amphipods a place to live. Add it to a display refugium or sump and browse the rest of our live inverts and macroalgae.
Live portion. You will receive a healthy portion similar to the one pictured. Exact size and shape vary since this is a living, growing macroalgae. Color reads most intense under blue and actinic reef lighting.
Care Guide
Atomic Broccoli is hardy and undemanding once your saltwater chemistry is stable, which makes it a great first ornamental macroalgae. It holds its red-and-orange color best with steady light and gentle tumbling.
- Lighting: Moderate to high. Brighter light deepens the red base and brings out the orange specks; too little light dulls the color and slows growth.
- Flow: Moderate. It does best tumbling slowly in a refugium or sump so light reaches every branch, but it also grows wedged into rockwork in a display.
- Placement: Refugium, sump, or display reef. Anchor a small piece in the rocks or let a loose clump tumble. Give it room to bush out.
- Nutrient export: As it grows it consumes nitrate and phosphate. Harvest (trim) it back periodically and that exported nutrient leaves the system with the clippings.
Specifications
| Common Name | Atomic Broccoli Macroalgae, Red Sparkle |
| Scientific Name | Commonly identified as Augophyllum wysorii |
| Type | Ornamental saltwater macroalgae |
| Care Level | Beginner |
| Lighting | Moderate to high |
| Flow | Moderate, tumbling preferred |
| Placement | Refugium, sump, or display reef |
| Reef Safe | Yes |
| Benefits | Nitrate & phosphate export, copepod habitat, color |
| Pickup | In-store pickup only |
Recommended Reef Parameters
- Temperature: 75 to 80°F
- Salinity: 1.024 to 1.026 (about 35 ppt)
- pH: 8.1 to 8.4
- Alkalinity: 8 to 11 dKH
- Nitrate and phosphate present but not zero; macroalgae needs some nutrient to grow and color up.
Compatibility
Reef-safe and peaceful. Atomic Broccoli pairs well with corals, fish, and cleanup crews. Note that hungry herbivores such as tangs, rabbitfish, and some urchins and large hermit crabs may graze it, so in a heavily stocked herbivore tank it is best grown in a refugium where it is protected. Keep it from being completely shaded by faster-growing nuisance algae.
Recommended Supplies
- Maxspect Jump Refugium Light to drive color and growth in a sump or fuge
- Brightwell ChaetoGrō macroalgae multi-nutrient supplement
- Adaptive Reef Copepod Habitat to build a thriving pod population alongside it
- Prefer a tougher tumbling algae? Try our Chaetomorpha, or browse all saltwater supplies
FAQ
Will it look exactly like the photo?
You will receive a healthy portion similar to what is shown. Because it is a living, growing macroalgae, the exact size and shape will vary.
Is it reef-safe?
Yes. It will not harm corals or fish. It competes with nuisance algae for nutrients, which is part of why reefers grow it.
Refugium or display?
Either works. A refugium gives the best growth and protects it from grazers; in a display it adds a pop of red and orange as a feature macroalgae.
How do I get nutrient export from it?
Let it grow, then harvest (trim) it back regularly. The nutrients it absorbed leave the tank with the trimmings.
Have a question?
Atomic Broccoli Macro Algae (Augophyllum wysorii)
