macro in DT

E

eric b 125

Guest
i have recently developed a macro algae problem in my DT. from what i can tell it is all stemming from one rock that is now covered in caulerpa, halimeda, and some other kind of macro. thing is: its a nice, big piece of LR and has a colony of zoas on it. I was thinking of just boiling it until at my last reef club Calfo reminded me of palytoxins that would be released by the zoas.
i clearly need to get my phosphates and nitrates under control; both of which i believe are coming from a kati/ani unit that is way overdue for a re-charge. as far as the macro is concerned, is this something that can be corrected with a lot of pruning and water changes? i've never had a problem with macro algae before and i thank you for your help.
 
btldreef

btldreef

Moderator
Macro's are good, but they can quickly over run your display tank, which is why many people keep them in a refugium.
I'd keep pruning. Caulerpa, depending on which type can really be a hassle to get under control, so if it's only on one rock, KEEP IT THERE and do large harvests. Halimeda is a little easier to control, but you have to try to get up the root base.
 
btldreef

btldreef

Moderator
I was thinking that it really wasn't that much caulerpa yet since it's only on one rock and the OP is trying to keep it under control because it can be so invasive.
 
S

smartorl

Guest
I will send my tangs right over. They eat it as fast as it grows in my tanks. More annoyingly, they rip it off the rocks and play with their food and it ends up in my sump.
 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
I'de keep harvesting it. LFS sometimes take it for store credit. Especially halimeda with a good strong root base.
 
E

eric b 125

Guest
Quote:
Originally Posted by florida joe http:///t/388854/macro-in-dt#post_3432328
what are your nitrate reading, it is strange if you have high nitrates AND an
Abundance of caulerpa
i dont have an abundance, yet. i do monthly water changes and 0 trates before the water change. i'm assuming that the caulerpa and the macro in my fuge is giving me a "false reading". i would do water changes more often, but i havent recharged my kati ani yet b/c i've been so busy with school. now that things are starting to wind down and that winter is on the way, i'm going to try to get my tank in order.
 
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