Originally Posted by
Flricordia
http:///forum/post/2569150
Just from my experiance I have had a 10gl refugium full of it go asexual I believe is how it is termed. It started melting-like is all I can describe it. Luckily it was all in the refugium and I was there when it happened so I was able to stop flow to the DT.
Now I only use chaeto.
But it will probably be fine as long as you keep an eye on it and keep it trimmed. IT an grow fast and get out of hand.
Flricordia is correct, like all caulerpa, the "grape" goes through a reproductive stage in which all the plants will suddenly die off and disintigrate as spores are released (having the potential to cause a massive nutrient load in your tank); its not as likely to do this however as the "fern" variety. Most therefore prefer to use chaeto ~ others will run a 24 light cycle to prevent the caulerpa from going sexual (not recommended for a DT). The advantages to running it in a DT are as you stated; nitrogan consumption and "green". As Flricordia stated, so long as you keep it trimmed and undercontrol, it will not go sexual. It is however a very agressive grower, and will show up everywhere (in powerhead filters, overflows, etc.) and will quickly cover up and smother corals if not kept in check. I posted a picture of what it will look like as it begins to grow (this was taken after trimming), just so you can get an idea.
