Macro-Algae for reactor question

[schooncw]

A few questions for the more knowledgeable than I....I just set up a Macro-Algae reactor and could not get Chaetomorpha but I did get some red-name anyone?-and some Calerpa Taxifolia.
Can they coexist in the reactor? Is one better than the other, for nitrate and phosphate removal?
What about the photo period? One LFS that I frequent has his caulerpa lit up 24/7 and it does great. Lastly, should I swap this out for chaeto when I find some?
Thanks and any advice is appreciated.

 

[AlgaeBarn]

The red looks like red ogo. They should be able to coexist, but I suspect the caulerpa will outgrow the red ogo. We don't really like caulerpa, as you need to keep it lit 24/7 to prevent it from going sexual (the spores aren't dangerous, but it can release some toxins). If you get the red ogo going well in the reactor, I wouldn't see a reason to change to chaeto.

 

[schooncw]

Thank you for your response. I will consider removing the caulerpa from my reactor. You think the red ogo will be as effective as chaeto in removing nitrate and phosphate? What photo period would you recommend for the red ogo?