The Lagoon - Intank Algae Refuge

The Sea Grass Lagoon is an optional upgrade that enhances the natural filtration of your Living Oceans Aquarium. Acting as a discreet in-tank refugium, it provides a dedicated space for macroalgae to grow, helping remove excess nutrients from the water while creating a safe habitat for tiny beneficial organisms.

Unlike traditional refugiums that require additional pumps and lighting, the Sea Grass Lagoon is designed to work as part of your existing ecosystem. It uses the same aquarium lighting that supports your corals, making it a simple, low-maintenance addition.

Watch the video below to see how to install the Sea Grass Lagoon. The guide underneath explains how it works, how to install it and why it benefits your aquarium.

What Is the Sea Grass Lagoon?

The Sea Grass Lagoon is a small tray that attaches discreetly to the back of your aquarium using suction cups. It holds Chaetomorpha, a fast-growing macroalgae that naturally absorbs excess nutrients from the water.

As the macroalgae grows, it removes nutrients such as nitrate and phosphate, helping maintain water quality and reduce the likelihood of nuisance algae growing elsewhere in the aquarium.

Why Is It Beneficial?

The Sea Grass Lagoon acts as a natural nutrient export system.

If excess nutrients build up from overfeeding, decaying organic matter or other imbalances, the Chaetomorpha grows more rapidly and uses those nutrients as fuel. Regularly harvesting the macroalgae physically removes those nutrients from the aquarium, helping maintain a healthy balance.

The lagoon also serves as a protected refuge where tiny crustaceans and other beneficial microfauna can reproduce without being eaten by fish. These organisms contribute to the overall health and biodiversity of the aquarium.

How to Install the Sea Grass Lagoon

Installation only takes a few minutes.

1. Attach the lagoon tray to the back wall of the aquarium using the supplied suction cups.
2. Position it so it receives light from the aquarium's existing LED light.
3. Place the supplied Chaetomorpha macroalgae into the tray.

Once installed, the lagoon operates automatically without any additional pumps, lighting or electrical equipment.

How It Works

Although the lagoon is largely hidden from view, it receives plenty of light from above, allowing the Chaetomorpha to grow naturally.

As it grows, the macroalgae continuously removes excess nutrients from the water, improving overall water quality while remaining almost invisible from the front of the aquarium.

Routine Maintenance

The Sea Grass Lagoon requires very little maintenance.

We recommend:

• Checking the Chaetomorpha regularly to ensure it remains healthy and growing.
• Harvesting excess macroalgae as it fills the tray to continue exporting nutrients from the aquarium.
• Keeping the tray securely attached to the back of the aquarium.
• Ensuring the lagoon continues to receive adequate light from the main aquarium lighting.

Need More Help?

If you have any questions about installing or maintaining your Sea Grass Lagoon, please contact the Living Oceans Support Team.

To help us assist you as quickly as possible, please include:

• Your aquarium model (80L, 130L or 200L).
• A brief description of your question or issue.
• Photos or a short video showing the installed Sea Grass Lagoon.

This information will help us provide the fastest and most accurate support.