what algae to use in refugium, is caulerpa bad for a reef tank?

[90gallon4me]

I've been using caulerpa algae for many years now. Is this what everyone is using or should i get a different type? Ive heard stuff about it dumping nitrates back into the tank. Can some explain to me what the deal is with caulerpa.

 

[90gallon4me]

I just removed my old school bioballs from my sump and now im trying to figure out if everything else is ok to keep in there. I just have live rock and the caulerpa.

 

[tonymission]

I hope not... have a bunch of caulerpa in my fuge

 

[90gallon4me]

Me too and either bio balls or caulerpa is giving me extra nitrates.

 

[camellia]

If your bio balls are really old and never cleaned that could be it.

 

[thefishbuddy]

I need some. When yall are ready to trim.

 

[tonymission]

90GALLON4ME;1014889 wrote: Me too and either bio balls or caulerpa is giving me extra nitrates.

Bio balls are notorious for that and why the hobby has seemed to move away from them

 

[jeffmuse]

90GALLON4ME;1014883 wrote: I've been using caulerpa algae for many years now. Is this what everyone is using or should i get a different type? Ive heard stuff about it dumping nitrates back into the tank. Can some explain to me what the deal is with caulerpa.

Caulepra is a great macro algae to use in your fuge. It is very safe, and one of the most commonly used algaes for nitrate/ phosphate control.

 

[berje]

the only thing is if it pops inside sump you are going to get it all in the dt. If you dont have a fish or invert that will eat it, it will eventually take over.

 

[90gallon4me]

So whats all this asexual talk with caulerpa? If it turn asexual it can release nitrates back into the tank?

 

[shrimpy brains]

Actually, it turns sexual. As I understand it, as long as you keep it trimmed, you shouldn't have a problem. Watch for any leaves/branches turning white and remove immediately.
I also use caulerpa along with chaetomorpha(spelling?), known as great for refugiums as it doesn't go sexual. I haven't had issues, but seen tanks on forums that have crashed supposedly due to the caulerpa issue.

 

[tonymission]

Shrimpy Brains;1015080 wrote: Actually, it turns sexual. As I understand it, as long as you keep it trimmed, you shouldn't have a problem. Watch for any leaves/branches turning white and remove immediately.
I also use caulerpa along with chaetomorpha(spelling?), known as great for refugiums as it doesn't go sexual. I haven't had issues, but seen tanks on forums that have crashed supposedly due to the caulerpa issue.

Hmmmmm.... Maybe I don't need a fuge......

 

[shrimpy brains]

lol If you are worried, just use cheatomorpia and no caulerpa.

 

[tbub1221]

thefishbuddy;1014914 wrote: I need some. When yall are ready to trim.

IDK yet if I'll make this weekend's coming up February meeting but if I can I'll bring you some , if I plan to make it I'll message you the day before.

 

[thefishbuddy]

I drive to social circle everyday. Come through Conyers around 4pm i work nights.

 

[raz0945]

How about Codium Macroalgae, how good is it for your refugium? Holley

 

[shrimpy brains]

Raz0945;1015232 wrote: How about Codium Macroalgae, how good is it for your refugium? Holley

Wouldn't hurt, but I think it is a slow grower and likely wouldn't process as much nitrate as the others.

 

[raz0945]

I have read that the Codium doesn't go asexual like the caulerpa. Holley

 

[jeffmuse]

90GALLON4ME;1014929 wrote: So whats all this asexual talk with caulerpa? If it turn asexual it can release nitrates back into the tank?

The sexual phase for the caulepra is not a big deal and is fairly rare. It is triggered by a day/ night cycle... all you have to do is leave your fuge light on all the time and it will never happen.