caulerpa vs halimeda

[mujacko2002]

Happy Easter to all.

I would just like to know your ideas/opinions/stand regarding the use of caulerpas and halimedas in aquariums. I've read/browsed over the internet that some people are really against the use of caulerpas (even to the point of a very famous person in the sphere of marine-keeping even said the word "yuck") in the tank because its so invasive and has a high-prevalence of polluting the tank due to its vulnerability to go asexual easily. All in all it somehow gives me an idea that it has more bad than good thing to bring into your aquarium. So what's your story about this...


waiting to be enlightened

Godbless

 

[bhdmc]

Are you considering these macro algae for nutrient export or just to display in your main tank? As for nutrient export, Caulerpa IMO is a better choice. It can go asexual unless you have a photo period of 24/7 and this is no guarantee that it will not happen. From what I read, Halimeda, is not a good choice for nutrient export and slow growing and required high level of Calcium. Halimeda is an attractive plant. IMO, some species of Caulerpa are also attractive as well. I run Caulerpa Prolifera and Cheatomorpha in my display refugium. So far my Caulerpa has not gone asexual with a reverse photo period from the display tank.

 

[JamesBryan]

I keep both. When you remove your excess caulerpa, freeze it and put it in the garden soil. I keep several types of caulerpa. In some tanks as part of the look. In some separate containers as export. Halimeda is a neat display plant. The leaves will turn to substrate by calcifiying. It can seed itself into the tank with seedlings that form on the dying leaf. There are probably many types of halimeda. Mine grows to about 4" and the top leaves calcify. The next level down then bud new leaves. I only use it as a display plant. Grows too slowly for me. Won't even grow in some of my tanks.