Macro ID

no_Wedge · 09/01/2009, 09:31 PM

have this green macro that grows very long and I couldn't identify it.
[IMG]http://i25.*******.com/23kr7t2.jpg[/IMG]

RicksReefs · 09/01/2009, 09:33 PM

Caulerpa serrulata

no_Wedge · 09/01/2009, 09:43 PM

ah good call
what do you think causes this algae to grow so quickly? it was like one month the whole rock, and it has even spread to others now like a grassy weed.

RicksReefs · 09/01/2009, 09:54 PM

rapid growth is what makes caulerpa algae so good in a refugium. they can grow over an inch a day on all fronts, sucking up nutrients along the way.
it's growth is also a reason most won't want it in their display tank. it can take over and choke out a tank in a few months.

I see by the other algae in the pic that you need to get nutients (notably phosphate and nitrate) under control first.
I'd start pulling the Caulerpa to export nutrients (and to thin it out, if not eliminate it) and up the water changes to reduce the fertilizer.

09/01/2009, 09:31 PM	#1
no_Wedge Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 422	Macro ID have this green macro that grows very long and I couldn't identify it. [IMG]http://i25.*******.com/23kr7t2.jpg[/IMG]

09/01/2009, 09:33 PM	#2
RicksReefs Moved On Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: In America's Dangling Junk State. Posts: 6,413	Caulerpa serrulata

09/01/2009, 09:43 PM	#3
no_Wedge Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 422	ah good call what do you think causes this algae to grow so quickly? it was like one month the whole rock, and it has even spread to others now like a grassy weed.

09/01/2009, 09:54 PM	#4
RicksReefs Moved On Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: In America's Dangling Junk State. Posts: 6,413	rapid growth is what makes caulerpa algae so good in a refugium. they can grow over an inch a day on all fronts, sucking up nutrients along the way. it's growth is also a reason most won't want it in their display tank. it can take over and choke out a tank in a few months. I see by the other algae in the pic that you need to get nutients (notably phosphate and nitrate) under control first. I'd start pulling the Caulerpa to export nutrients (and to thin it out, if not eliminate it) and up the water changes to reduce the fertilizer.