Red Caulerpa: Safe for main tank?

[Reef.ductionist]

I was viewing a very nice stalk of red caulerpa at a lfs. The specimen had three stems and was about 9 inches tall, it was attached at the base to a small piece of reef rock. All in all I would say it would really naturalize any tank display but I am concerned about it reproducing out of control and spreading all over the tank. This is not uncommon for green caulerpa which is just one of the few reasons why many people yse cheati right?


Has anyone tried Red Caulerpa in their main tanks?...with positive results?

 

[Reefing Madness]

 

[tektite]

Caulerpa is a specific type of green macroalgae, not red. Unfortunately some places use "caulerpa" as a blanket term for all macroalgae. To answer your question you'll have to post a pic so the red algae species can be identified. Some are invasive, some not, some can also reproduce by going sexual like caulerpa, most don't though. Also, many marine fish and inverts find red macroalgae far tastier than caulerpa, so depending on your livestock list you might not be able to keep it at all.

 

[Reef.ductionist]

Hii there, this is the macro ...

 

[tektite]

Ok, that's called red grape algae (botryocladia). It isn't very invasive, it can reproduce sexually and pop up in other areas of the tank, but it grows fairly slowly and does make a good display macroalgae. Herbivorous fish, crabs, and larger snails will eat it.

 

[Reef.ductionist]

Awesome stuff!
Thanks for 'gracing' this post with your answer man,
I appreciate it!