Should I trim the algae in my fuge

[M3AN ONE]

Should I trim the algae in my fuge. Originally bought a hand full of calerpa and cheato algae and 6 months later my fuge is full so much so that the light does not touch the miracle mud sand bed because the alge is so dense(not that I am complaining)
I was told that the algae will take the nutrients out of my tank if i do not trim it is that true?

Fuge dimensions 30x18x25 LWH

 

[degibson84]

Trimming and removing the macro is essential to continue removing nutrients.

Macro algae removes nutrients by utilizing them for growth. If the algae is so thick that it can't get the proper lighting it won't grow. I used to trim my cheato once a month.

 

[M3AN ONE]

what should I do with the macro I trim.
If I leave the macro in it will have a negative effect on my tank?
will my desjardini salifin tang eat it? Ran out of nori

 

[degibson84]

sell it, toss it, give it away

 

[Seakrait]

If the tang likes it there is no better food for it. They will eat thinner varieties of chaeto. Some of the thicker strains they won't touch. Use gloves when you remove the algae. If I wait too long to harvest mine 5 million large bristle worms will live under it. Also be responsible with it if your lfs doesn't want it or if your tang won't eat it. Dont flush it down the toilet. You can compost it, or throw it in the microwave for 15-30secs and then throw it in the trash.

 

[M3AN ONE]

How much should I trim. If I dont trim how will it effect my tank what nutrients can I potentialy deminish

 

[infamous_6969]

Trimming your macro is needed in order to maintain proper nutrient export. In order to keep an effectively working refugium you need to periodically rotate the chaeto and you need to trim it. I normally cut out about 1/3 of the chaeto. As it grows larger it loses its effectiveness.

Some people throw it away, some people give it away, others dry it out and feed it to tangs.

Think of it this way... The chaeto uses the nutrients in your tank to grow. In order to remove the nutrients from your tank you remove some of the chaeto. This helps growth the same way as keeping your bushes trimmed at your house.