algae control the in a smaller tank

[jordanphulet]

I currently have a biocube 29 set up. I'm having issues with caulerpa, having to weed frequently. I want to upgrade to a larger tank so that I could try some fish that might eat the caulerpa. I was thinking a 90 would be good, but I'm a little intimidated by that size. I was also considering a 40 with a sump, I would be able to get a bigger skimmer, run GFO, or try a biopellet reactor but not any fish that might eat it. What would you suggest would be the best way to manage the caulerpa? Can I do it in a smaller tank without biological control?

 

[ReeferEric]

Problem with that form of algae is that its very invasive. From my point of view, get rid of all of it and if it keeps coming back then get rid of the rock. Your next tank, don't put it in. Use chaetomorpha instead. Some fish will eat it but not all and it grows at a faster rate then most other macros.

 

[jordanphulet]

That's a little disheartening. I was thinking of getting new rock for the display and using the current rock in a refugium do you think this is a bad idea? Would the caulerpa likely make it to the display?

 

[jordanphulet]

Chaeto doesn't grow in my tank.

 

[tigerdragon]

What kind of lighting are you running for chaeto? I would go with 90 with a 40 breeder as a sump

 

[tigerdragon]

Chaeto likes 6500k lighting might even try red led grow lights

 

[jordanphulet]

I don't currently have a refugium so chaeto was under an evergrow fixture.

 

[tigerdragon]

So what is your setup for the calupera?

 

[jordanphulet]

Right now everything is in the display, I have no sump. I added the chaeto, but the caulerpa just grew out of the rocksmonths after the aquarium was cycled. So, the caulerpa is under the d120 evergow fixture. Caulerpa grows like crazy, I think the chaeto shrunk to nothing.

 

[tigerdragon]

If you dont want to run a sump look at a hang on back fuge