caulerpa???!!!

[swillydiver]

Hi guys, I've read from posts and sites about people using caulerpa in their fuge for nutrient export. I'm confused, I though using caulerpa is risky (going sexual, spores, harmful excretions). Does anyone have any experience with this? or is using caulerpa in the fuge ok?

 

[HaKs310]

It is ok. It is rare and haven't heard of it going asexual in anybodys tank lately. Keep it trimmed regularly and provide godd lighting.

 

[fishmaster#1]

I got some if you want it

 

[kmk2307]

I keep lots of different species of caulerpa in my tank. If it is nutrient limited it may attempt to sexually reproduce. Caulerpa contains compounds which are toxic to some tank inhabitants and since the parental plant "self destructs" when it tries to reproduce sexually these are released into your tank. A common cause of caulerpa sexual events is insufficient nitrogen available. Many people have tanks with loads of phosphorous but practically no available nitrogen.

Kevin

 

[swillydiver]

I see, I've read regular trimming keeps it from going sexual. I have extensive experience in freshwater planted aquariums and I dose nitrogen in the tank to fuel plant growth and limit algae growth by using phosphate as the limiting nutrient. Maybe I can do this in my reef tank.

 

[reefD]

yes it can happen (calpera going sexual) but can be totally limited if left under 24 lights. this algae like any other plant will reproduce with shorter daylight. total daylight confuses it and keeps it in growth phase rather than reproduction phase. in asump this is easy leave lights on all the time. but as said before it rarly occurs but in a first time experience dont add it to main try sump first. then add less energenic breds

 

[reefD]

if lighting is not strong enough...as soon as it shuts off(the lights) the plant will reproduce in prep of death. 24 hour lighting helps this issue. flourences are fine in this case. but questionable in less than 18 hours lighting.
24 lighting also prevents ph night swings.

 

[Teremei]

Some species of caulerpa. Including Prolifera, is much much safer (very rare to go sexual). I have Prolifera in my fuge and my main tank.

 

[swillydiver]

Yeah that's my problem, I didn't want a 24 hour light cycle coz the tank would be in the living room and the light coming out from under my aquarium cabinet totally distracts me from the main display. Im planning to have the lighting in the fuge on a reverse light cycle as to my main tank. I read and heard that a 18 to 20 hour light period would stop the caulerpa from going sexual, any comments?

 

[reefD]

just wall paper the entire fuge tank!... you can get it so no one would even know the fuge is lit. i keep my fuge right under an open table, covered by news paper and a well placed towel on the top. no light ever spills out. if the light coming out is an issue you can deffinately fix that! and yes macro loves 24hr lighting it keeps it in a growth state, not a reproduction state. but not to mention it makes the algae grow and absorb excess nutrients even more so! it also removes the question if the macro is getting enough light hours to prevent it from die off.

 

[chinitoe]

hey swillywabbit!


ayawg cge pamiga!

 

[swillydiver]

In case you guys are wondering what "chinitoe" just said...it's cebuano for "stop being so horny". Which has totally no connection with regards to this thread, so I'll do you guys a favor and slap him silly on our next club meeting. Wohoooo!!!

 

[JotaDe]

Salamat po!