blennymower
New member
Whats the best type of macro algae to hold in a refugium to filter? Chaetomorpha?caulerpa?
what macro algae is best for a refugium?
- Thread starter blennymower
- Start date
Most people prefer chaetomorpha. It is less efficient than Caulerpa, but it doesn't get established in the main tank like Caulerpa can. Some people worry about sporulation of the caulerpa, but I think that concern is minor, IME, assuming you use the normal variant of Caulerpa racemosa.
I personally use Caulerpa racemosa. When I've use both at the same time, the Caulerpa outcompeted the Chaetomorpha. And yes, it is in my main tank as well as my several refugia, and I do trim it out of both places periodically.
I personally use Caulerpa racemosa. When I've use both at the same time, the Caulerpa outcompeted the Chaetomorpha. And yes, it is in my main tank as well as my several refugia, and I do trim it out of both places periodically.
blennymower
New member
I've read that when caulerpa sexually reproduces it release nutrients like nitrate and phosphate into the tank, that's why I've been thinking about switching to chaetomorpha
FWIW, I've used the normal variant of Caulerpa racemosa for more than 13 years and it has never once sporulated. I have had the peltata variant sporulate twice without any issues.
LobsterOfJustice
Recovering Detritophobe
Randy and Greg - are you lighting the caulerpa 24/7 or less?
I have experimented with less, but I find 24/7 seems best for my system.
blennymower
New member
I'm leaving the lights on 24/7
I think in reef tanks it spreads by chunks getting loose more than spores, so I don't think a UV will help.
sunny d polyp
New member
Chaeto with out doubt.
blennymower
New member
hey sunny, why do you think chaeto is the best?
docalatamu
In Memoriam
i agree w/ randy, caulerpa lit 24/7
spongebob281
In Memoriam
Hate to open a can of worms here but lately i heard alot of folks are going the algae scrubber way. I'm building one myself but it's too early to tell but some people swear by it
docalatamu
In Memoriam
algae scrubbers have been around longer than the "Berlin method", so I am sure many people around might know some things to be able to help
Algae scrubbers are supposed to be a very efficient method, and also seem to be coming back into vogue. Another macro algae option is Gracillaria. You don't see it very often, but it's supposedly as efficient at nutrient export as Chaetomorpha, and I think it looks nicer. It's a red branching algae.
blennymower
New member
what's an algae scrubber? Isn't that a refugium?
93292_FishGuy
New member
i personally use chetoe and love it!
No, it's not the same thing at all. I'd do a search so you can see a picture of one. It'll make it a bit clearer, but basically it's sort of like a trough behind your tank with one end usually a little higher than the other. Along the length of the trough is usually some sort of removable surface (like a plastic mesh screen) where algae can grow. The water runs down the trough, over this algae covered surface and gets "scrubbed" as the algae takes up the nitrates and phosphates it needs to grow. Every once in awhile the screen (or whatever is used) is cleaned off, leaving some of the algae on there to start growing again. Supposedly this method encourages high growth rates in the algae, meaning a large amount of nutrients are removed from the water to feed said algae.
I hope that kind of makes sense. . .and hopefully I didn't get anything wrong there. I've never used an algae scrubber myself. I've only read about them and I've seen a few pictures.
But I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night. . .
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