Caulerpa

[TheReefer12]

Has anyone tried any species of Caulerpa to prevent green hair algae? I was wondering how effective it is and would it be alright to put in the tank. I do not have a sump.

Brian

[wharyat]

I recommend against conciously putting a macro in your main tank, unless you like the looks of it; it will take over just as bad as hair algae.

The best thing for preventing macro outbreaks is to limit what goes into the tank; mostly phosphate, which frozen (and flake) food is loaded with. Rinse your food before putting it into the tank and try to remove as much detritus as possible when you do your water changes.

The best thing is to not have any algae growth; that shows that it has nothing to help it grow.

[aussiereefer82]

Whatever you do not put it directly in your tank!!! Until yesterday i did not know much about it, i read an article in an Australian reef hobby mag. I didnt realise that caulerpa is illegal to keep in most states of Australia because of the fact that irresponsible aquarists have added it to the natural waterways. It is now taking over and choking the natural ecosystems that exist in the wild (coastal inland lake in particular) and it proving very difficult to control and eradicate. It is now labelled as noxious weed and it is illegal to keep, trade or sell.

I really haven't answered your question, i was just providing some background.

[VWD]

It will take over Your tank and You will have to prune it back often, I have some in my sump and I have had it for year in the tank and sumps. I also take it out of the sump and feed fish with it. I won't put it in the display tank anymore.