Caulerpa nummularia Question

[jcmjoe]

I have Caulerpa nummularia growing on some live rock in my sump, I am pretty positive I have identified it properly from different pictures and forums. Anybody have any info on this species? Is it true I need to leave the lights on 24/7 with this macro algae? It just started growing from a piece of live rock and seems to be doing quite well. Should I get rid of it and just stick with Cheato or see what time brings? Thanks

 

[Subsea]

Not all Caulerpa is fast growing and prone to going sexual. I run my refugiums on for 16 hours and off for 8 hours.
As a general rule of thumb, macro goes sexual when it is deprived of nutrients and subjected to intense light.
Patrick

 

[jcmjoe]

Thanks for the info Patrick! Would you say it is a good species of Caulerpa to have?

 

[radiata]

Not all Caulerpa is fast growing and prone to going sexual. I run my refugiums on for 16 hours and off for 8 hours.
As a general rule of thumb, macro goes sexual when it is deprived of nutrients and subjected to intense light.
Patrick

Patrick,

I'm interested in your rule-of-thumb. Does Grape Caulerpa (Caulerpa racemosa) fall into the rule? Sooner or later it has always gone sexual on me.

Any recommendations for Caulerpas that are less prone to go sexual?

Thanks,
Bob