Thoughts on grape caulerpa algae in refugium?

[Redland Reefer]

I currently have a mixed ball of grape caulerpa and chaeto in my refugium the caulerpa is definitely dominating though.
Is this a suitable algae for refugiums?
Are there any benefits to growing different types of algae?
Or would it be best to remove it all and start over with chaeto only?
Thanks

 

[Montiman]

I have heard of some people say that they believe that different algae species extract different nutrients so they intentionally try to keep multiple algaes. This makes logical sense though how much better the performance is is unknown.

From personal experience, whenever I try chaeto and caulerpa together the caulerpa always dominates and the chaeto withers away. If you have two chambers then it may be possible to grow both without the caulerpa smothering the chaeto.

I actually believe that caulerpa is a better algae for nutrient removal. it grows very fast and is known to be invasive in many reefs with heavy agricultural run off. The only down side is caulerpa can reproduce sexually and when it does it may result in livestock death. I have never experienced this or known anyone who has so it is rare but there have been documented instances of it happening. To avoid this, light the caulerpa 24 hours because it only goes sexual at night, and/or keep it well pruned.

 

[ca1ore]

Thoughts ..... only bad ones!