Chaetomorpha Question

[samwoo2go]

I've been reading this fourm about various Macro Algae to be used in the fuge, and so far everyone likes Chaetomorpha the best. "no going sexual, grows fast, best nutrient export, won't get into the main tank" were the common opinions. It seems like the "perfect MacroAlgae". Now the question is... If Chaetomorpha is so great, why is it I always see people use caulpera in their fuge? I mean Chaetomorpha seems to have no bad traits, why is it not the standard and most widely used Macro Algae in fuges.

Also, If I use Chaetomorpha in a 10g Fuge draining from a 20g display tank. What flow rate should I have going thru the fuge? (I have heard higher is better, I have heard lower is better, so whats a good average marginal range?)

One last question, If I use a Pump (say..a mag) to return water to the display tank. (fuge under the dispaly) would the pump chop up all the pods being returned to the display?

 

[despot101]

I'm not sure why people are using caulpera...maybe they dont have chaeto in there area. (Didn't have it anywhere in ND until like 1 year ago.)

In my fuge a use lower flow. I guess I'm not sure how many gph....but the chaeto isnt blowing around in the current.

Some pods probably would get destroyed by the pump, but I'm sure some would get by just fine.

 

[sjvl51]

I think I read somewhere that when it was first being discussed about using macro algae in the refuge, caulerpa was what was used in the study. Everyone followed suit and caulerpa was widely traded. Now many are switching to chaeto as it becomes more available. I use chaeto, caulerpa ?, racemosa (grape caulerpa) and mangroves for nutrient export.

I've had the racemosa for over a year without any problems with it going asexual. I just prune regularily so it has room to grow (this also helps to keep it in a high growth mode).

I've tried the low flow (through my refuge) and high flow (through my sump with a Mag 12). I used the same lights on both tanks. I found the refuge ended up with a slime algae (overgrew and killed some of the algae) and cyano problem. I have increased the flow (added a power head) which has helped. This summer I plan on tearing down the refuge and putting in a second bulkhead or bigger bulkhead and then trying my spare Mag 7 for water movement.

Someone (Dr. Ron ????) did a study of pods going through the pump and found 80%+ arrived in the display tank alive. I recently saw a picture of a goby that went from the display tank to the sump. After a few days in the sump, returned to the display tank via the pump. Only damage was a nick on the tail fin.

Vickie

 

[Frick-n-Frags]

Caulerpa has been in the hobby for as long as I have been in the hobby (15+ years). Chaetomorpha is gaining steam though and at some point I would guess that it takes over as THE fuge/sump algae. I have only had my Chaeto for less than 1 and a half years also.

I also like strong water movement in the algae sump, and I stir the Chaeto wad around daily to shake out the dust and any micros starting on the top surface right under the lights.

 

[Reefpuck]

I think that all depends on what kind of pump is being used. Im sure some tear up pods more than others.

 

[HippieSmell]

With Chaeto you want enough current to keep the algae rolling in the water. This ensures enough nutrients pass through all parts of the algae and it prevents detritus from accumulating on it. I've also been told that centrifugal pumps are safer for pods.