Best plants for nutrient export?

mnewsome

New member
I am in need of nutrient export and am wanting to know what kinds of plants I should get that would be best for this. I have a bryopsis outbreak that I have been battling for a while now and want something to compete for nutrients. Also, how much would I need for a 75gal? I do not have a refuge, so I will be putting them directly in my tank.
 
The two that seem to be most advised are <i>Chaetomorpha</i> genus and <i>Caulerpa prolifera</i>, or really any of the Caulerpa's. Both could go in the main display, though a lot of people complain that the Chaeto gets clogged with detritus. A <i>Halimeda</i> sp. might also work - but keep in mind these are a calcified species so you'll need to monitor calcium levels to be sure everyone in the tank is getting what they need. Of the three the Chaeto is most popular since its less apt to go into spore stage - "go sexual" as most put it.

A thought: what nutrients are you trying to get rid of? Phosphorous? Nitrates? What do you think is fueling the Bryopsis? The macro's seem to be good for nitrate removal but aren't very spectacular with phosphorous since they need a lot less of this to grow in relation to their need for a nitrogen source.. most people seem to run a macroalgae along with some resin like Phosban to really lower levels.

>Sarah
 
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