Cheatomorpha And Caulerpa Algea

[1234-fishy-freind]

Can i keep both cheatomorpha and caulerpa algea in the same sump to reduce nitrates or should i just keep one in the sump growing over the DSB ?

 

[psycho-killer]

you can keep both just think it would be wise to keep the seperated ,, dunno if they will kill each other if together ?

 

[Lynden]

The algae will directly compete. One will eventually gain the upper hand and completely oust the other. Possible preventions to this include separating the two by good distance and adding carbon.

 

[1234-fishy-freind]

If i kept one, which would reduce my nitrates better ?

 

[psycho-killer]

im running caulerpa havnt had problems and my nitrate has dropped alot..

 

[1234-fishy-freind]

I do like caulerpa as i have seen it in lots of differnt colours like greens, purples and oranges.
Has anyone had any experience with cheato ?

 

[Lynden]

Caulerpa is perhaps the nicer algae and includes many attractive forms, but chaetomorpha is perhaps the all-round best as it produces a large amount of 'pod' growth and is thought to be the best of all marine plants and algaes as far as nutrient export goes.

 

[1entra]

I agree with lynden as I am currently using chaeto in my refugium. I do not find it to be the most attractive algae as it is constantly getting cyano growing on it along with all 'dust' but aint had no problems with nitrates or phosphates so I would recommend it to anybody!

 

[1234-fishy-freind]

Hmmm.... well they both sounds good then... i think it is going to have to be down to price and which one i can hold of.

 

[1entra]

Yep fair enough

 

[Donya]

Depending on the species of Caulerpa, keep them separated by some distance or be prepared for a lot of work if you don't want a tangled mess that can decrease water flow. Chaeto has the annoying ability to tie together other macro with some force. I got this started in my 12g by accident and it's been no picnic. Every now and again when I forget to trim the Chaeto back, my non-Chaeto macro gets bound together at the base in a big 12"x12"x4" mat that I can lift out with one hand. Healthy tank, ugly mess lol.

 

[1234-fishy-freind]

The mess wont matter as the cheato will be going into the sump. As long is it helps the tank. Just one question though, does cheato go 'sexual' like claulerpa does in short day lenght, or can i turn the light off after 12-13 hours /?

 

[chrissaysyes]

1234, Im not sure where you're located but if you're in the US I can hook you up with a guy who sells caulerpa fronds for super duper cheap. You get ATLEAST five fronds that are each about a foot long for like $12 including shipping.

Oh and he claims these dont go sexual, but they do require pruning.

 

[1234-fishy-freind]

chris... im in the UK unfortunatly... can someone who has kept cheato tell me if they go sexual in not constant light like caulerpa ?

 

[Lynden]

1234, Im not sure where you're located but if you're in the US I can hook you up with a guy who sells caulerpa fronds for super duper cheap. You get ATLEAST five fronds that are each about a foot long for like $12 including shipping.

Oh and he claims these dont go sexual, but they do require pruning.

Does he ship to Canada?

chris... im in the UK unfortunatly... can someone who has kept cheato tell me if they go sexual in not constant light like caulerpa ?

No algae will go sexual because of any light cycle. This seems to be related to poor water conditions, but there are reasons to keep fuge lighting on 24/7; it reduces pH fluctuations and increases oxygen output/nutrient uptake. Chaetomorpha ('chaet' (pronounced 'keet'), as in the word for 'bristle'; not 'cheat') rarely goes sexual, and must be heavily provoked to do so.