What macro algea should i use in my refugium?

[Brentlee954]

Really need some suggestions as to wich macro algea would be ideal for my refugium. Im currently in the process of setting up a 150 gallon reef aquarium , have a 55 gallon aquarium modified for my sump/refugium. Any input is appreciated and if could possibly help me out with some from there established system i am willing to pay.im located in ft.lauderdale fl. Any feed back is apricated as im new to the online scene.

 

[Walla2GSP]

Chaeto and Caulerpa are the preferred, but be warned Caulerpa can grow out of control if not maintained and end up in your display tank. If I had a planted refugium I would also get some of the red macros again.

 

[anthonys51]

Chaeto and Caulerpa. chaeto is less risk of going asexual and i think you will have to check some caulerpa might be illegal to import into Florida because it can grow fast

 

[Brentlee954]

Thanx alot anthonys51 and Wall2GSP, i honesetly didnt even think to look up if you could import it into florida. Ill have to check that out probably just gunna go with the chaeto to be on the safe side tho.

 

[MondoBongo]

i like chaeto. i would avoid caulerpa.

in addition to the possibility of a spawning event that could have serious implications for your tank, caulerpa is pretty nasty stuff. not much eats it, at any appreciable rate at least, and it is really really good at driving it's runners in to even the smallest cracks in the rock work, making it all but impossible to get rid of once it gets a foot hold.

 

[mcgyvr]

If your goal is to have a fast growing macro that helps the reduce nitrates,etc.. then chaeto is the go too..
caulerpa (grape,etc..) is also good BUT it can go sexual and spread like crazy if you don't keep it on 24 hour lighting..

If you want something "pretty" then you might like red dragons breath or many others..

 

[Sk8r]

Cheato...
I had to break down my 54 because caulerpa got rooted in the rocks. Cheatomorpha has no roots, and does not reproduce by multiple methods including spores and fragments. Caulerpa is also illegal in California and a variant has caused disaster in the Mediterranean. Do not accept any cheato ball that has a sprig of caulerpa in it. I consider it a plague far worse than aiptasia and harder to solve than ich.

 

[johnike]

No Caulerpa!
I'm battling it now.