First Refugium. What Macro to use ?

[drew930]

Hey guys ! Setting up my refugium, well my first one that will actually have something in it. Had 2 other refugiums built into sump but tore down before I added anything. Anyway, Im setting up a 120 with a fairly decent size sump. Bought it used, and it has a nice size refugium IMO. Im not sure of measurements but its probably close to 21x21x12 maybe ? Im not sure what to put in it. Thought about Chaeto, but was reading that Ulva might be better. I also read that I should stay away from Caulpera ? Not really looking for anything to grow in my display. If it matters, I will probably run carbon and phosband or GFO.

Any help would be appreciated !

 

[ncaldwell]

People are against caulerpa because it can go sexual on rare occasions and take over. I'm using chaeto and I like it, it mostly stays in a ball and it's easy to harvest without pieces going everywhere

 

[drew930]

Gotcha . Okay thanks . Probably just go chaeto then !

 

[carmelpi]

if you want to harvest for fish feeding, i'd go with a nice species of caulerpa (prolifera doesn't really go sexual, iirc) or with ulva. most fish are not fans of chaeto

 

[Ebone]

+1 cheato.... too easy not to use

 

[hotelbravo]

I prefer caulerpa. ive got dragon's breath, graciliara, chaeto, and the caulerpa brachypus in my refugium.
chaeto is my slowest grower and infact haven't seen much growth at all in many months. but my caulerpa needs trimming monthly and my dragons breath and graciliara every two months

 

[Michael Hoaster]

I vote cheato AND ulva. Both grow fast, soaking up nutrients. And ulva can be fed to your herbivores-they love the stuff.

 

[Fish_BowLisha]

If you have tangs they love Mexican fern. Mine decimated it to nubs! ( that's how I found out he liked it lol) moved it to my refugium to grow but there was so little left:-/