Problem growing Caulerpa...

[jpccusa]

I created a sump/refugium where I've put some macroalgae (grape caulerpa) but green hairy algae (I guess) manages to grow on top of the macroalgae, creating pockets filled with gas that brings everything to the surface. I usually push everything back down, releasing the trapped air, but it is just a matter of time until everything is back on the surface.

The macroalgae manages to stay alive, but it does not grow as fast as I wished. I actually was never able to harvest the plant and feed my tang with it.

The lights are on 24/7

What is going on?

PS: I do not have algae problems on my main tank (maybe thanks to all the creatures??)

Thanks

JP Marchetti
100 gallons tank, 2 x 10 gallons sump, 1 Pacific Coast 200 skimmer, 1 Magnum 350 canister, 2 power-heads.
1 Yellow Tang, 1 Stripped Goby, 2 Pajama Cardinals, 6 Mollies, 1 Green Scat.
1 purple urchin, 1 long spines urchin, hermit crabs, brittle star, snails

 

[Anonymous]

You can put some herbivores in the sump to eat the hair algae: snails and hermits and such, but why? If it is in the sump, it is doing it's job to reduce your nitrate and phosphate levels.

Watch the Caulerpa. It can spore if it runs out of nitrate, phosphate or iron.

Most tangs would rather not eat Caulerpa, unless they have nothing else to graze on. I put a piece of Nori from the grocery store on my magfloat for my tangs. It keeps them happy and friendly!

 

[jpccusa]

I will try putting some inverts in my sump, see what happens.

And now that you mentioned, when I tried growing grape caulerpas on my display tank, the Yellow Tang was not the one who ate it all. It was the Foxface...LOL

Another question, what plant would you suggest instead of the caulerpa (since it can spore)?

Thanks for the reply

 

[Anonymous]

I would recommend to start looking for different species at the LFS. Macros can be very pricey if you order them online, but really cheap (sometimes free) if you just happen to run into one. If you watch the caulerpa, it will warn you before it spores. Watch for active growth on the tips, an area that is lighter in color? If you test for nitrates, when the levels start to drop, harvest the caulepa back. If you do not see active growth, harvest it.

Hair algae can be a great reducer of DOC.If you can encourage it to grow in the sump, that might be all you need?

If you do order online, check for species of Halymenia? I have one that I think is a Halymenia species and my tangs think it is candy!

(Not to be confused with Halimeda, which sucks up CA and tangs won't touch. Gorgeous in a main display, I think)

 

[Unarce]

Here's an excerpt from a Coralmania article by Eric Borneman:

In particular, I am very unfond of Caulerpa. It is invasive and very difficult to eradicate. It is toxic to fish and has many metabolites - and releases them when the organism degenerates during spawning. Acidic rhizomes etch carbonate and these algae can kill other more desirable species by overgrowth. I have had it grow right through the stalks of soft corals. Many aquarists say that it has not been a problem for them. My response? Just wait. It will. I guess my big question regarding Caulerpa is why use it at all when so many more desirable species of macroalgae exist, like Chaetomorpha species, or others.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-12/eb/index.htm

 

[jpccusa]

My LFS carries the Halymenia, so I could get some. How is it as far as care? Light needs, grow rate, going sexual, etc.?

And regarding my caulerpa, it grows. The tips are always pointy and has a lighter green color. Actualy, the tips are the only part of the plant that the hairy algae is not attached yet, LOL.

 

[Anonymous]

Yhere are many species of the Halymenia genus. The one I fave would grow in a toilet! A SW toilet!


I use NO light and it grows great.

Eric Borneman is coming to our town next month! Can you see a date on that article?