macro algae - chaemotorpha

[reg828]

i ordered chaemotorpha for my refugium. what do think about this macro algae and how do you take care of them. do they go sexual. about lighting, im planning to use light at night only. any advise?

 

[Joshthenosh]

what does sexual mean?

 

[boxfishpooalot]

Using the light at night is good idea. This will keep the oxygen up a little at night.

Chaeto like to be tumbling preferably. Does not usually go sexuall. Although most plants will when there is not enough food for it. You may want to supplement iron for it.

 

[colettem]

Josh - going sexual is when the algae decides to spawn - often in response to poor conditions in a last ditch attempt to reproduce itself. The algae releases a whole load of gunk and toxins into the water and can cause your whole tank to crash. Caulerpa is notorious for doing this which is why chaeto is the preferred macro now. Regular teimming and lighting 24/7 is thought to reduce the risk of caulerpa spawning.