Need ID on this algae

[keithtanbb]

I bought a caulerpa rock algae from local LFS, it had a small clump of this, after 1 month I lost most of the original caulerpa and this specie prolilferated !Can anyone tell me if this a juvenile of the caulerpa or another undesirable type ? plan to have caulerpa in my refugium.

[mUAr_cHEe]

I nuked my tank because of this algae. It will cover your tank in no time. Then you got a very nice planted tank.

[keithtanbb]

but if it is for the refugium, and for taking out the phosphates and nitrates in the water, wouldn't it be ok? I dont want to use chemicals if i have a choice for nutrient exports...this tank is solely commissioned as a refugium and amphipods factory before entering my main tank throught the pump up from sump-anyone knows the exact name of this specie-also had 3 (green lettuce)nudibranch hitchhiker, they ate up my 2 rocks full of turtle weed! in 3 days

[blueheaven]

You may want to be careful cause the algae might crash when it goes vegetative

There are ways to prevent it though but it's not foolproof

1) 24hr lighting

2) Regular pruning

3) Enough lighting

[keithtanbb]

thks buddy! The 2 batches of caulerpa failed as I had it on 8 to 10hrs lighting- now going for 24/7 for the lights- went sexual on me!!! turn white and just rot away, also sea urchins ate most of it! this strain is doing well! going to monitor the phosphates level this weekend (had readings of 1ppm-gosh!) will buy a batch of nice grapes next to try out (lights on 24/7) really need to control the phosphates naturally

[blueheaven]

I've noticed this strain is rather hardy as I have them growing in my previous 2 footer which horrible water parameters

But I'm not sure whether it will be the same for you

Maybe try adding trace amounts of iodine as I find that it keeps my chaeto growing

[angmoh]

these are caulerpa.

not very efficient in nutrients export + risk of turning asexual

chaeto will be a better choice

[blueheaven]

Actually caulerpa is quite a good nutrient exporter because it grows really fast.

Chaeto and ulva are of course the best candidates but problem with them is that many reefers do not know how to grow them fast enough for nutrient export

[FuEl]

That caulerpa is actually one of the easiest to maintain. I came back after 5 months overseas and it literally took over the whole tank. My photoperiod was only 8-10 hours a day. Think the secret is not to skim too much and don't change too much water.