which macro algeas do you use. I've heard some bloom and cause more problems.

[kimf]

which macro algeas do you use in a refugium? I've heard some bloom and cause more problems.

 

[fishfreek]

I keep some razor in my main tank and this type DOES NOT go asexual in the tank. It only spreads slowlyand is quite manageable. I have heard (but never kept) grape and feather types tend to reproduce asexually and will spread very quickly in the main tank. HTH

 

[nm reef]

My refugium has an assortment of caulperas.....mostly razor/feather...and some tang heaven(2 types).....plus some type of green mounds of grassy looking algae that don't seem to be a problem ......some grape caulpera not much though......

 

[beth]

I have some feather that is not doing so well in my main tank...just kinda hanging in there...barely.
How are these usually placed in the tank? In the substrate or wedged between rocks?

 

[ebeckels]

I keep mine in the rocks in my refugium...once it really starts to grow i will transfer it to the main tank for the fish to nibble at. my refugium is only a month or so old.

 

[beth]

Well, I was thinking that perhaps the feather caulpera needed to be in the substrate, since mine does not seem to be doing so well. It does have a horizonal root system that seems to suggested substrate type of planting is needed.
I need a good informational source on macro algae. Anyone have any good links or have book suggestions?

 

[kris walker]

Yea, me too. I don't know what kind of macroalgae I have in my tank. I know what grape and feather caulerpa look like, but nothing else. Links would be especially helpful, as I'm broke.
sam

 

[ubeturwrasse]

beth, the roots on caulerpa are not actually roots, they are just for ataching itself to whatever it can. Cauklerpa needs nutrients and light, without both, your caulerpa will "just hang in there". It should be fine wedged inbetween rocks.

 

[kris walker]

Here are some links I just found.
<a href="http://saltaquarium.about.com/library/weekly/aa112000.htm" target="_blank">http://saltaquarium.about.com/library/weekly/aa112000.htm</a>
<a href="http://saltaquarium.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://www.livingreefimages.com/Page3.html" target="_blank">http://saltaquarium.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://www.livingreefimages.com/Page3.html</a>
<a href="http://saltaquarium.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://www.globaldialog.com/%7Ejrice/algae%5Fpage/sawcaulerpa.htm" target="_blank">http://saltaquarium.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://www.globaldialog.com/%7Ejrice/algae%5Fpage/sawcaulerpa.htm</a>
<a href="http://saltaquarium.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://utweb.utampa.edu/faculty/kbeach/Mar327Lect/species99/sld001.htm" target="_blank">http://saltaquarium.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://utweb.utampa.edu/faculty/kbeach/Mar327Lect/species99/sld001.htm</a>
sam

 

[diatom]

In case anyone cares:
The problem with Macros comes when they go SEXUAL and die off releasing their nutrients into your tank and all caulpera can go sexual. If you keep it trimmed however you shouldn't have a problem.
Eric if you feed your tangs your macros from your fuge and never remove any of the marco and toss it out, you are just recycling the nutrients in your tank not getting rid of any. Not sure if you're tossing any or not, but I thought you might like to know that.
Interesting side note Macro algea is one of the largest single cell organisms in existance.
HTH,
D~