Best macro for refugium?

[kinerson]

So i'm setting up a 55 gal refugium in my system and was wondering what the best and most effective macro algae is for removing nitrates etc? Any opinions?
Thanks
Greg

 

[kmk2307]

Hey Greg,

Check into Chaetomorpha (aka spaghetti macroalgae) and Caulerpa. How big of a 'fuge do you plan to set up? How much light do you plan to put on it? I have been really happy using two dome-shaped metal light fixtures with a 45 watt screw-in PC lamp each.

HTH,
Kevin

 

[kinerson]

Hi Kevin
I have a 55 gallon tank in line with my sump in the basement of my house. What I want to do is have a egg crate rack half way up the 55 for frag cuttings and have macro algea growing beneath it to help with nitrates etc. Currently I have a shop strip light from Home Depot that runs 2 -32watt t-8 lamps which I know will be fine for the frags but the remaining light that penetrates beneath the shelf to the macro algea will be reduced about half I'd say (I'm not fully loading up the shelf with coral cuttings) What are the light requirments for chaetmomorpha and caulerpa, and where can I get some?
Thanks
Greg