Refugium Algae

[DMBillies]

I just started up a refugium and I'm looking for some algae to stick in there (hopefully with some pod hitchhikers). My question is, what is the best kind of algae to put in and is it a good/bad idea to use a few different species? I've heard that chaeto is good, but a lot of other names have been thrown around (caulerpa, gracilaria). At this point I have some caulerpa, chaetomorpha, and halimeda (I think) in it. This was just very small amounts that I plucked off of my liverock. Any input on algae would be appreciated and if anyone is going to be trimming back their fuge in the near future, please let me know.

Thanks

 

[fishdoc11]

Chaeto is best IMO. Caulerpa will go sexual and Halimedia uses Ca and alk like it's going out of style.
Chris

 

[DMBillies]

I had heard that Halimeda eats up Ca, but I wasn't sure that it used enough to cause any real problems (especially because most of the stuff in my tank isn't very Ca hungry). Good to know though.

Why is it a problem if Caulerpa goes sexual? In fact, I'm not even sure what that means... It sounds like maybe you should be a botanist instead of a vet

On a side note, I'm glad I'm not the only one who can be found on here at 6:30 in the morning.

 

[c_stowers]

If calerpa goes sexual then it releases chemicals (probably pheromones) that can end up nuking the corals in your tank. I always have chaeoto to spare, so if you want to stop by and pick some up just let me know. I'm not sure if I am going to the meeting yet, but if I do I could bring you some then.