harvesting macro-algae...

[Terryz_]

wat is the meaning of harvesting macro-algae... and how do you go about doing it..

[KingFish]

Simply put, its trimming a portion of your macroalgae, preferably on a weekly basis.

Its a form of nutrient export, promotes growth and keeps your refugium tidy.

Caulerpa releases Caulerpin when trimmed. Some hobbyists choose to ignore that but I do my trimming out of water.

[terryansimon]

and just what is Caulerpin?

sorry ah Rumour. (= me is swakoo boy! haha.

[hoppinghippos]

its a toxin produced by caulerpa which helps to prevent it from being eaten by predators if I"m not wrong.

[terryansimon]

since its a toxin, why do some hobbyist chose to ignore the fact then?

[KingFish]

A quick search yielded Caulerpin as a alkaloid toxin, with hydrophobic macromolecule containing a cyclo-octatetraene ring pigment

There were some remote cases of mild poisoning from ingestion in countries where caulerpa are consumed. Some articles have suggested that Caulerpin also in ways affect marine bacteria.

In any case, some hobbyists do not see it as a risk factor, and find it troublesome to do so. More of a matter of habit really ...

[Reef23]

Do I need to dose IRON as a supplement??