‘Amber Inferno’ Dragon’s Breath

‘Amber Inferno’ will occasionally be out of stock as we need to grow the mother colony back out, but it will come back into stock again.

‘Amber Inferno’ (Halymenia durvillei) is by far our favourite Halymenia, taking centre-stage in our home display tank. This captivating red macroalgae is celebrated for its striking deep red and amber hues, and its unique, leaf-like thallus. What truly sets 'Amber Inferno' apart is its exceptional fluorescence — the most intense morph we’ve ever encountered. Its patterning is widespread but non-total, creating beautiful contrast and variety, even under fluorescence-inducing lighting.

An over-expression of α and β carotene pigments gives this morph its characteristic extreme orange fluorescence. Unlike most morphs, which require blue lighting to activate their fluorescence, 'Amber Inferno' shines even under a full spectrum 6500K light. The tips fluoresce brightly while the main body stays deep red, creating a stunning two-toned contrast that has cemented ‘Amber Inferno’ in our hearts as best-in-class. It is well-suited for both display tanks and refugiums, where its moderate growth rate and manageable size make it a popular choice among marine aquarists. ‘Amber Inferno’ thrives when attached to rockwork and prefers a moderate water flow to maintain its vibrant colour and health.

Nutrient Export

‘Amber Inferno’ is an excellent choice for natural nutrient export in your marine aquarium. This beautiful macroalgae effectively absorbs excess nitrates (NO₃⁻) and phosphates (PO₄³⁻) from the water, helping to maintain water quality and reduce unwanted algae growth. With its moderate growth rate, 'Amber Inferno' works steadily to keep nutrient levels in check, making it a fantastic addition to both display tanks and refugiums. It serves as a natural filter, helping to create a healthier environment for your fish, corals, and other marine inhabitants.

Lighting

‘Amber Inferno’ thrives under moderate to bright lighting conditions, with an ideal PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) level between 100-150. This macroalgae benefits from full-spectrum LED lighting or T5 fluorescent lights with a strong blue output, which is ideal for supporting its vibrant deep red and amber colours. However, even under a 6500K full-spectrum light, 'Amber Inferno' will display its signature fluorescence at the tips, while the main body remains red. Start with moderate light levels and gradually increase if needed to help the algae adapt. Aim for a photoperiod of 8-10 hours per day. Keep an eye on its colour; if it starts to fade, it might be getting too much light too quickly.

Nutrients

To keep 'Amber Inferno' healthy and growing, it needs a stable supply of nutrients like nitrates and phosphates. Aim for a minimum of 5 ppm nitrate (NO₃⁻) and 0.1 ppm phosphate (PO₄³⁻) in the water. 'Amber Inferno' thrives best in environments with consistent, moderate nutrient levels. Regular monitoring is key to ensuring that these levels do not drop too low. If your tank has very low nutrient levels, consider dosing a macroalgae growth mix, like Continuum's Basis Chaeto Grow, to provide essential trace elements and nutrients that support healthy growth and maintain its vibrant colours.

Placement and Attachment

‘Amber Inferno’ (*Halymenia durvillei*) should be securely attached to rockwork or another stable surface in your aquarium. To attach 'Amber Inferno,' we recommend using a small amount of aquarium-safe superglue or a rubber band to gently secure it in place. You can also tuck it into a crack or crevice in your live rock, where it can naturally attach over time. This method works well for creating a vibrant focal point in your display tank and keeping the algae anchored in one spot. Ensure that it is positioned in an area with sufficient light and moderate water flow to thrive.

Flow

‘Amber Inferno’ thrives in moderate water flow conditions. You’ll want to provide a gentle, consistent flow that allows the algae to sway lightly in the water, similar to a soft, rhythmic movement. This helps prevent detritus from settling on its fronds and allows it to maintain its vibrant deep red and amber colours.

Avoid placing ‘Amber Inferno’ directly in front of a strong powerhead or in areas with high flow, as this can damage its delicate leaf-like structure or even detach it from its attachment point. If you notice the algae isn't moving at all, it may be in too low of a flow area—try adjusting its placement to find that ideal flow where it gently sways.

Care and Maintenance

‘Amber Inferno’ is relatively low-maintenance but will benefit from a little regular care to keep it looking its best. Monitor its growth regularly, as it can expand steadily under good conditions. If it begins to grow too large or crowd other parts of your tank, feel free to trim it back with a pair of clean, sharp scissors. Trimming not only helps maintain its shape and size but also encourages new growth and keeps the algae healthy.

Compatibility

‘Amber Inferno’ (*Halymenia durvillei*) is generally a peaceful addition to most marine aquariums, but it’s important to consider its tank mates. This macroalgae can coexist well with most fish, corals, and invertebrates, adding both beauty and function to your setup. However, be cautious with herbivorous species such as tangs, rabbitfish, sea hares, urchins, and certain snails, as they may find 'Amber Inferno' quite appetizing and could feed on it if given the chance.

If your tank contains herbivores, keep a close eye on their behaviour to ensure they aren’t devouring your 'Amber Inferno.' Alternatively, consider placing it in a refugium or an area of the tank where it’s less accessible to hungry mouths.

Keep your reef raving and your macros waving!