Ochtodes (blue ball) for nutrient export?

[dendro982]

Any information on usefulness of Ochtodes (blue ball or purple bush algae) as a refugium plant, for nutrient export?
It looks good, most tolerant to low light from all algae I ever met, grows fast and is preferred by mysids youth for a hiding.
It would be good, if I could replace half of chaeto by ochtodes.

 

[graveyardworm]

If its growing fast, and is preffered playground for young amphipods then I would say yes its good for nutrient export and use as a refugium algae, and even better it prefers low light so a lower utility bill as well.

 

[Samala]

Right, if its working for you (nutrients in check and no nuisance algaes popping up from your rock), then keep it as an exporter. Simple. Typically the red algaes dont grow as fast as the greens, but for specific mini environments (like our tanks), reds might be favored, grow faster and thus be better exporters.

Whatever works, use it. Thats my motto.

>Sarah

 

[dendro982]

Mmmm, it works for a small-scale in-tank application definitely, will it worth the risk on replacing half of chaeto for a big tank with ochtodes?

 

[graveyardworm]

Its worth a try, if it doesnt work you can always go back to the cheato.