Best macros for micro control
- Thread starter inthemix
- Start date
kmk2307
Active member
Hi inthemix,
Is this going in your main tank? Chaetomorpha doesn't anchor so it might get annoying having it bounce around your tank all the time. Halimedia, Penicillus, Rhipocephalus, and Codium all have rootlike structures and will stay anchored in one place. I believe these algae can "go sexual" but don't produce any toxic chemicals like Caulerpa. If you need something that grows rapidly to compete with microalgae, I think Caulerpa is going to be your best bet. If you get C. prolifera or C. racemosa and keep individual "plants" small (main rhizome less than 12" or so) I doubt you will ever experience sexual reproduction. When you trim caulerpa be sure to only cut it in one place at a time. It is basically one giant cell (a siphonous algae aka a coenocyte) and it can bleed out its vacuole from too many injuries.
HTH,
Kevin
Is this going in your main tank? Chaetomorpha doesn't anchor so it might get annoying having it bounce around your tank all the time. Halimedia, Penicillus, Rhipocephalus, and Codium all have rootlike structures and will stay anchored in one place. I believe these algae can "go sexual" but don't produce any toxic chemicals like Caulerpa. If you need something that grows rapidly to compete with microalgae, I think Caulerpa is going to be your best bet. If you get C. prolifera or C. racemosa and keep individual "plants" small (main rhizome less than 12" or so) I doubt you will ever experience sexual reproduction. When you trim caulerpa be sure to only cut it in one place at a time. It is basically one giant cell (a siphonous algae aka a coenocyte) and it can bleed out its vacuole from too many injuries.
HTH,
Kevin
Shablin
New member
caulerpa is a good weed, but that 'going sexual thing' and toxins are a concern for some (I never had a problem). Plus, once introduced you'll always have it. I have halimeda, grape caulerpa, chaeto and something else i don't yet know the name of. Chaeto can be attached using a rubberband or fishing line if necessary. It is a great hideout for bristleworms, pods, etc. Halimeda is an attractive steady grower that attaches with its roots to just about anything. These both are slow but steady growers. The caulerpa grew like wild fire until the other algaes developed larger colonies; now all are growing steady but controlled.
inthemix
New member
Thanks for the suggestions!
The algae will be going into a refugium, so a little free floating shouldnt hurt. However, it is not optimal.
By the way, where is a good place to buy a multitude of species of algae. What do you recommend the most out of your personal experience.
Thanks again
The algae will be going into a refugium, so a little free floating shouldnt hurt. However, it is not optimal.
By the way, where is a good place to buy a multitude of species of algae. What do you recommend the most out of your personal experience.
Thanks again
chrisg2004
In Memoriam
I have some larrge amounts of Chaetomorpha and Razor Caulerpa (IMO best Caulerpa) that I prune each month if you are interested.
chrisg2004
In Memoriam
Razor 'sawblade' Caulerpa
Razor 'sawblade' Caulerpa
The Razor Caulerpa is very stable, does not have a tendency to go sexual and release toxins back into the water column. It's very stable with 24/7 lighting, periodic pruning and with presence of other competing macros like Chaetomorpha.
Razor 'sawblade' Caulerpa
The Razor Caulerpa is very stable, does not have a tendency to go sexual and release toxins back into the water column. It's very stable with 24/7 lighting, periodic pruning and with presence of other competing macros like Chaetomorpha.
chrisg2004
In Memoriam
Lights on 24/7
Lights on 24/7
The best thing about keeping the fuges lit 24/7 is the wonderful affect it has on stabalizing the PH in your system. The PH level shifts downwards as lights are turned off and this is dangerous for fish and inverts, even more so for very sensitive to PH corals like Xenia which require constant 8.6 or higher ph level. Keeping the lights on your sumps all the time stabalizes PH, keeps macro from going sexual and allows for more growth in macro.
Lights on 24/7
The best thing about keeping the fuges lit 24/7 is the wonderful affect it has on stabalizing the PH in your system. The PH level shifts downwards as lights are turned off and this is dangerous for fish and inverts, even more so for very sensitive to PH corals like Xenia which require constant 8.6 or higher ph level. Keeping the lights on your sumps all the time stabalizes PH, keeps macro from going sexual and allows for more growth in macro.
chrisg2004
In Memoriam
You may want to check out this thread where others have offerd up their oppinions...
http://www.reefland.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3117
http://www.reefland.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3117
chrisg2004
In Memoriam
IMO the Razor Caulerpa has been exceptional for nutrient export. I have a 180 with 3 large refugiums attached and always perfect water conditions. i have never seen any reproductive problems with any of my macros for over 2 years. I suppose it's the great diversity of plants , live rock, dbs and slow water flow that keeps this system stable.
Shablin
New member
Did you check out the article on Halimeda in this months Reefkeeping mag? Mine has recently started to outgrow my caulerpa if you can believe that. I'm getting ready to 'harvest' it; caulerpa racemosa growth has slowed quite a bit for me now.
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-04/nftt/index.htm
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-04/nftt/index.htm
chrisg2004
In Memoriam
Be careful, Halimeda is not the best choice for macro... difficult to keep.
Similar threads
