I got a some macro grape algae. I think it is bad but not sure. It came with live rocks. There is not much of it right now. I could probably pull it all up in 20 minutes. But not sure, as there are a few bugs living on it and my tank is only 6 weeks old, and It is about the only plant life inside right now.
![IMG_0226[1].JPG](https://test9.reef2reef.com/attachments/img_0226-1-jpg.261741/ "IMG_0226[1].JPG")
![IMG_0225[1].JPG](https://test9.reef2reef.com/attachments/img_0225-1-jpg.261742/ "IMG_0225[1].JPG")
![IMG_0227[1].JPG](https://test9.reef2reef.com/attachments/img_0227-1-jpg.261743/ "IMG_0227[1].JPG")
Bad algae or not so bad or good?
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Randy Holmes-Farley
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I use it in my refugium since I believe it more effective than Chaetomorpha. I even bring it to the main tank to feed my fish.
HOWEVER, if you do not have the right fish to keep it in check, it may become a main tank disaster. I had to buy a one spot foxface (a fish that eats it, not many do) specifically because of an intractable Caulerpa racemosa infestation. Even breaking down the tank and scrubbing every rock only worked for a while before it came back from small bits.
So I'd pull it all out now and hope you can get it.
HOWEVER, if you do not have the right fish to keep it in check, it may become a main tank disaster. I had to buy a one spot foxface (a fish that eats it, not many do) specifically because of an intractable Caulerpa racemosa infestation. Even breaking down the tank and scrubbing every rock only worked for a while before it came back from small bits.
So I'd pull it all out now and hope you can get it.
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CAULERPA:
IDENTIFICATION:
This green or red algae will anchor itself to rock rock work or substrate. It grows in long branching formations with little bubbles on the end as seen in the picture above.
WHAT FEEDS IT:
This algae prefers to feed off of Nitrate or Phosphates in the system. That being said this is also a Algae that if grown in a refugium can have a positive affect for the water conditions if controlled properly. Since it feed's off of NItrate's and Phosphates it can be used to remove them from the water column it is a candidate for a great algae control.
THE DOWN SIDE OF USING CAULERPA AS A ALGAE FILTER.
If caulerpa is not pruned regularly it will go sexual and release toxins into the water column.
SIDE NOTE:
Some types of caulerpa will sting other corals on contact.
METHODS OF CONTROL:
Removal by hand, sugeonfish, angelfish, diadema urchin, some tangs,
This green or red algae will anchor itself to rock rock work or substrate. It grows in long branching formations with little bubbles on the end as seen in the picture above.
WHAT FEEDS IT:
This algae prefers to feed off of Nitrate or Phosphates in the system. That being said this is also a Algae that if grown in a refugium can have a positive affect for the water conditions if controlled properly. Since it feed's off of NItrate's and Phosphates it can be used to remove them from the water column it is a candidate for a great algae control.
THE DOWN SIDE OF USING CAULERPA AS A ALGAE FILTER.
If caulerpa is not pruned regularly it will go sexual and release toxins into the water column.
SIDE NOTE:
Some types of caulerpa will sting other corals on contact.
METHODS OF CONTROL:
Removal by hand, sugeonfish, angelfish, diadema urchin, some tangs,
Randy Holmes-Farley
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FWIW, I don't agree with this part:
THE DOWN SIDE OF USING CAULERPA AS A ALGAE FILTER.
If caulerpa is not pruned regularly it will go sexual and release toxins into the water column.
I don't think sporulation releases toxins, and in the many years I've used it, never once has the normal variant of Caulerpa racemosa sporulated in my tank (with or without pruning). There is a variant of Caulerpa racemosa called Peltatta (not grapes, but looks like little disks or mushrooms) that has sporulated in my tank with no ill effects. IMO, it is no different than other organisms spawning.
THE DOWN SIDE OF USING CAULERPA AS A ALGAE FILTER.
If caulerpa is not pruned regularly it will go sexual and release toxins into the water column.
I don't think sporulation releases toxins, and in the many years I've used it, never once has the normal variant of Caulerpa racemosa sporulated in my tank (with or without pruning). There is a variant of Caulerpa racemosa called Peltatta (not grapes, but looks like little disks or mushrooms) that has sporulated in my tank with no ill effects. IMO, it is no different than other organisms spawning.
I agree with Randy on this one. Thats some good stuff there to keep in your tank, its not the bad stuff.
Get it out of your display tank now if you don't eventually want rocks covered with it.
I fought Caulerpa brachypus for YEARS and it still pops up when the GFO starts to run out. It can regrow from the tiniest piece so pruning is not an option down the road. REFUGIUM ONLY!
I fought Caulerpa brachypus for YEARS and it still pops up when the GFO starts to run out. It can regrow from the tiniest piece so pruning is not an option down the road. REFUGIUM ONLY!
I think I fixed the problem... Or rather these guys seem to be fixing it for me. Go crab go. Oh and picture not upside down. The crab is.
![IMG_0230[1].JPG](https://test9.reef2reef.com/attachments/img_0230-1-jpg.261767/ "IMG_0230[1].JPG")
That crab ate three pellets today already also so he can't be super hungry. He half way down the stalk of that thing now. Also bumble bee snails lazy, I like my margarita snails more they never stop eating.
That crab ate three pellets today already also so he can't be super hungry. He half way down the stalk of that thing now. Also bumble bee snails lazy, I like my margarita snails more they never stop eating.
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