alternative to cheato?

clarityreef · 07/25/2014, 05:36 AM

Hi there,
I can't seem to get cheato around here in Sydney
Are there other natural similar alternatives?

thegrun · 07/25/2014, 07:24 AM

There are many types of macro Algaes that will work as a nutrient export, but I'm not sure what is available to you in Sydney.

tomreefer · 07/25/2014, 07:37 AM

Mangroves is one option

Spar · 07/25/2014, 07:39 AM

there are some Aussie forums that might get you an answer quicker. i have a good friend from Perth that uses this one:
http://www.masa.asn.au/phpBB3/

thegrun · 07/25/2014, 07:47 AM

Mangroves grow so slowly they are of little value as a nutrient export. They are fine to grow if you like their looks, but if you are trying to lower nitrates and phosphates they do not help much.

shesacharmer · 07/25/2014, 09:32 AM

If you are putting this macro into a refugium you might want to explore the availability of Caulerpa Prolifica. Don't put it into your display tank though.

Spar · 07/25/2014, 12:37 PM

i went with caulerpa and have liked it. there are concerns about its asexual reproduction being toxic, but I haven't had any issues with it (yet, knock on wood).

back when i lived in sydney (Manly), I dived all the time and there were lots of various sea plants. not sure if they will be OK for reef use, but worth researching what you can collect on your own.

ca1ore · 07/25/2014, 01:20 PM

Frankly, I'd just stop futzing around with macros and just install an algae scrubber. I guarantee turf algae is 'available' in Sydney

I just don't like carbon dosing, so the day I put an ATS on my system was the beginning of me not having nitrate or phosphate problems.

clarityreef · 07/25/2014, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shesacharmer

If you are putting this macro into a refugium you might want to explore the availability of Caulerpa Prolifica. Don't put it into your display tank though.

I have heard good tings about the C. prolifica. However it is banned in Sydney due to its prolific properties and an environmental hazard.

Ive managed to obtain some sort of algae or grass from the LFS, not sure what it is called though.

07/25/2014, 05:36 AM	#1
clarityreef Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Sydney, AUS Posts: 94	alternative to cheato? Hi there, I can't seem to get cheato around here in Sydney Are there other natural similar alternatives?

07/25/2014, 07:39 AM	#4
Spar Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Plano, TX Posts: 2,517	there are some Aussie forums that might get you an answer quicker. i have a good friend from Perth that uses this one: http://www.masa.asn.au/phpBB3/ __________________ 450g Mixed SPS/LPS Reef (MH/T5/VHO)

07/25/2014, 09:32 AM	#6
shesacharmer Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Central NH Posts: 1,241	If you are putting this macro into a refugium you might want to explore the availability of Caulerpa Prolifica. Don't put it into your display tank though. __________________ 75 gal, LR w/refugium, 79 deg, PH 8.0, sg 1.025, amm 0/nit 0/nit 0, Calcium 420, dKH 8.3, mag 1300, Phos 0 Current Tank Info: A work in progress...

07/25/2014, 12:37 PM	#7
Spar Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Plano, TX Posts: 2,517	i went with caulerpa and have liked it. there are concerns about its asexual reproduction being toxic, but I haven't had any issues with it (yet, knock on wood). back when i lived in sydney (Manly), I dived all the time and there were lots of various sea plants. not sure if they will be OK for reef use, but worth researching what you can collect on your own. __________________ 450g Mixed SPS/LPS Reef (MH/T5/VHO)

07/25/2014, 01:20 PM	#8
ca1ore Grizzled & Cynical Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Stamford, CT Posts: 17,319	Frankly, I'd just stop futzing around with macros and just install an algae scrubber. I guarantee turf algae is 'available' in Sydney I just don't like carbon dosing, so the day I put an ATS on my system was the beginning of me not having nitrate or phosphate problems. __________________ Simon Got back into the hobby ..... planned to keep it simple ..... yeah, right ..... clearly I need a new plan! Pet peeve: anemones host clowns; clowns do not host anemones! Current Tank Info: 450 Reef; 120 refugium; 60 Frag Tank, 30 Introduction tank; multiple QTs

07/25/2014, 07:24 AM	#2
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	There are many types of macro Algaes that will work as a nutrient export, but I'm not sure what is available to you in Sydney.

07/25/2014, 07:37 AM	#3
tomreefer Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Posts: 767	Mangroves is one option

07/25/2014, 07:47 AM	#5
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	Mangroves grow so slowly they are of little value as a nutrient export. They are fine to grow if you like their looks, but if you are trying to lower nitrates and phosphates they do not help much.