Caulerpa dying? Why?

[jakaufman]

We bought an intank refugium to help lower nitrates by using macroalgae until we can put together a sump/refugium combo

Last week we bought a feather caulerpa and put some live sand with it into the refugium. We have just basic lighting that cam ewith the tank but it is right on top of the refugium. In the past few days, the caulerpa has started to become white and looks as if it is dying.

What is causing this? I thought it was supposed to be a fairly low maintenance macro algae and figured that the high nitrates would actually encourage growth in our tank.

 

[WaterKeeper]

Correct in all your assumptions. It should be fine. Any chance copper or copper based meds was used on the fuge?

 

[jakaufman]

i guess there is a possibility? its just a simple intank refugium from drsfosterandsmith.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produ...ll&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Np=1&N=2004&Nty=1

that is the refugium

and we bought some live sand.. (the bagged stuff.. its not that great but i didnt figure it would be an issue)

i believe my dad also put some copepods into there... maybe that is the issue. i had forgot about them ( I am trying to help my parents care for a tank while I am in school )

 

[WaterKeeper]

The LS and Pods are not an issue here. Caulerpa does well on its own. Time to grill the parents on whether they have used medications on their display tank. If so, give them a time out and take away their computer, TV and cell phone privileges.

 

[jakaufman]

hmm ok... ill definitely ask about any medications

i told them they should probably try again, maybe it was the LFS's caulerpa that had some problem to begin with, anything we can do before buying another piece of it that would help?

 

[Lion_Babe]

Do you have a light on your fuge?

 

[b_mattias]

not enough or wrong type of light.

 

[jakaufman]

i havent upgraded to coral-quality lighting (just have what came with the tank).. could that not be enough? what should i put on it for it to grow ? (something inexpensive preferably)

 

[Jesse-KT]

not enough or wrong type of light.

I agree. I had stock lighting on my SH tank with caulerpa and it died but when I replaced it with a better light it has been better ever since.

 

[jakaufman]

ok i think that may be the problem then..


what is a good bulb to buy for a one-bulb stock fixture? i dont think my dad (whos tank it is now) is ready to upgrade to a really nice lighting fixture