How much macro-algae...

[3fsh]

Well, I bought a medium-sized clump of mixed macro-algaes back in September (most of it is caulerpa) and it has now taken over the sump... literally. It has completely filled the middle portion up and is trying to grow over the edges into the other compartments. I want to get rid of some of it to prevent the bottom layer from dying off. (The top blocks all of the light.) I don't want to mess up the balance of the tank, but some of it has got to go! How much should I remove? Half? One fourth? Three fourths? One third?


BTW- If you are interested, the portion I am removing is for sale. I was going to post it in the Buy/Sell/Swap forum, but most of you probably don't go there very often. It was very expensive, but I'm willing to sell it to you guys for cheaper price. It is absolutely gorgeous and has fan-worms and sea hares (I believe that's what they are called) all over it. Just PM me if you are interested and I will send you a picture!

 

[Opcn]

Why not just cut back a little at a time? Say start with one 6th and after a bit remove a little more till your down to the level you want

 

[Navarre]

Caulerpa grows at an alarming rate. I would remove half of it. Letting it grow too long runs the risk of it going sexual. (And contrary to popular belief, i know of 2 reef keepers that have had Caulerpa go sexual with a lit sump 24/7).

Be ruthless with it.

 

[3fsh]

Okay, I think I'll follow both of your suggestions... I'm going to remove half of it, but I'll try doing it over a period of a few days so that it doesn't upset the balance of the tank. Thanx for the advice!