Best way to trim Caulerpa?

mclc26 · 03/03/2007, 08:31 AM

My sump has turned into a Caulerpa forest...Although it has turned out to be a great breeding ground for copepods (probably thousands in there), it is so overgrown at this point that I need to get some of that Caulerpa out of there...It is planted in about 2 inches of Miracle Mud, and I don't want to cause a huge mess...What is the best way to clean it up? Should I trim them with scissors (don't want to release nutrients/phosphates back into the system though)? Should I just yank some out by their roots?

Any help is appreciated...

capncapo · 03/03/2007, 08:56 AM

Take your pick!

I'd just gently pull it out to keep from disturbing your mud too much.

I would not worry too much about releasing nutrients into your system if you decide to trim it with scissors. Just be aware that you'll need to rinse and dry your scissors immediately afterwards.

WaterKeeper · 03/03/2007, 10:47 AM

Well I avoid using electric hedge trimmers

but you can hack away with scissors or a knife to your hearts content. Just make sure they are stainless steel or they will not survive the pruning process.

BTW, throw the cuttings in the garbage not the toilet. LI sound has enough algae in it already.

green814 · 03/03/2007, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by WaterKeeper
Well I avoid using electric hedge trimmers

I use a "retired" Shindawai ( commercial gas string trimmer ). Don't want to get electrocuted.

Chris

WaterKeeper · 03/03/2007, 11:26 AM

Chris,

I use one of those models that has a hydrogen fuel cell. Plenty of that in your tank.

green814 · 03/03/2007, 09:18 PM

You may have the fuel cell, but I have the "flux capacitor" model so if I miss the tank maintenance, I can go back in time & "erase" any thing bad that may have been the result.

Actually, I am glad MCL asked this as I just stepped up to a 75g w/ a sump/fuge. I figured you could just "tear" it, but sometimes it's better to ask first. Thank you MCL for asking.

OK, time to be serious!

Chris

03/03/2007, 08:31 AM	#1
mclc26 Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 89	Best way to trim Caulerpa? My sump has turned into a Caulerpa forest...Although it has turned out to be a great breeding ground for copepods (probably thousands in there), it is so overgrown at this point that I need to get some of that Caulerpa out of there...It is planted in about 2 inches of Miracle Mud, and I don't want to cause a huge mess...What is the best way to clean it up? Should I trim them with scissors (don't want to release nutrients/phosphates back into the system though)? Should I just yank some out by their roots? Any help is appreciated... __________________ A man learns from his mistakes...A wise man learns from other people's mistakes. Current Tank Info: Oceanic 70g RR, Ecosystems Sump w/20 lbs. of Miracle Mud, Mag 9.5, Coralife Pro 250W MH + 2 X 65W Actinics + moonlights, Urchin Skimmer, 2 Maxijet 900's, Aquacontroller Jr. w/DC8, Phosphate Reactor, JBJ Auto Top-Off, 2 Tunze 6000 Streams w/7095 multi

03/03/2007, 08:56 AM	#2
capncapo Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Florissant, MO Posts: 4,664	Take your pick! I'd just gently pull it out to keep from disturbing your mud too much. I would not worry too much about releasing nutrients into your system if you decide to trim it with scissors. Just be aware that you'll need to rinse and dry your scissors immediately afterwards. __________________ S.L.A.S.H. ............ Often imitated, never duplicated! Venture forth and enjoy life .... the only difference between a rut and a grave is the depth. Current Tank Info: Which one?

03/03/2007, 10:47 AM	#3
WaterKeeper Bogus Information Expert Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: SW Ohio Posts: 16,147	Well I avoid using electric hedge trimmers but you can hack away with scissors or a knife to your hearts content. Just make sure they are stainless steel or they will not survive the pruning process. BTW, throw the cuttings in the garbage not the toilet. LI sound has enough algae in it already. __________________ "Leading the information hungry reefer down the road to starvation" Tom Current Tank Info: 130 Now out of service and a 29

03/03/2007, 11:26 AM	#5
WaterKeeper Bogus Information Expert Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: SW Ohio Posts: 16,147	Chris, I use one of those models that has a hydrogen fuel cell. Plenty of that in your tank. __________________ "Leading the information hungry reefer down the road to starvation" Tom Current Tank Info: 130 Now out of service and a 29

03/03/2007, 09:18 PM	#6
green814 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Swartz Creek, Mi Posts: 144	You may have the fuel cell, but I have the "flux capacitor" model so if I miss the tank maintenance, I can go back in time & "erase" any thing bad that may have been the result. Actually, I am glad MCL asked this as I just stepped up to a 75g w/ a sump/fuge. I figured you could just "tear" it, but sometimes it's better to ask first. Thank you MCL for asking. OK, time to be serious! Chris