Caulerpa and chaetomorphia

[5xevy]

Hey germanman- I started this thread to find out more about chaetomorphia. I know you said to PM you but I'm thinking maybe others will want to know too.

I have caulerpa growing in both of my refugiums and then you mentioned chaetomorphia. From what I've read, it's basically a nutrient sponge that doesn't grow or spread as quickly- easier to maintain, and less (if any) die-off.

Can you talk of the differences and which one you prefer and why? Is it more expensive than caulerpa? I'd assume once you get it, you wouldn't have to again because of the growth.

Thanks man.

 

[Germanman]

sure id love to! i studied algae in my botany course last semester and i found it to be very interesting. i am currently at collage and have to go eat in a few mins and gt to class but when i get home ill post a nice fat post for ya! lol

 

[Germanman]

alrighty im finally home and i didnt have to work today!
well Chaetomorpha is one of the best macro alga's for a refugum or tumble filter. its a very stiff plant and most herbivores dont like it much but will still eat it if its the only algae present(tangs dont care though). unlike most the other macro alga's it rarely goes under sexual reproduction which means it has a very low tendency to "melt" and cloud the tank(some alga's this is toxic to the animals as well as other alga's). this makes it a good candidate. under halides it will grow pretty fast but it grows at the "perfect" speed under white power compacts. other benefits of it would be that it does photosynthesis which helps balance out the carbon and oxygen in the tank helping the pH stay in the safe and stable areas. also if the refugum is back lit(means on 24-7) it will keep the pH stable in the night hours which is a common problem. in addition to all that i also absorbs phosphates and aids the nitrogen cycle. this makes it an excellent nutrient export item and when harvest regularly it aids in the removal of those nutrients and phosphates. the "full" algae can then be feed to your fish or discarded properly in the trash(never flush it because it goes to the ocean and can become an invasive species). well thats the down low on chaeto! hope it helps!:dance:
oh almos forgot to add the rest lol! yea its a bit more than Caulerpa and a bit harder to get(most the time its a trade form another aquarist). it is hardier and lasts longer then most the others as well so yea ok think thats it lol

 

[5xevy]

Thanks. Lots of info there.

the "full" algae can then be feed to your fish or discarded properly in the trash

Just a question- how do you tell when it's "full" or not, enough to discard it?

 

[Germanman]

good question well u cant really tell without actually taking samples and preforming some lab tests on it so ull just have to remove it periodically. i take out about half every 2-3 months and then let it grow again. that should be sufficient. it really just varies depending on the amount of dissolved organics and how nutrient laden the tank is.