Grape Caulerpa Eaters

[reefBoyDc]

Hey,

I'm having a bit of grape caulerpa problem. it started on one rock and looked really cool, so I left it, but now it's everywhere. It's really hard to yank out as it crawls on the LR.

Is there anything I can put in a 29gal that will eat the stuff?

Thanks.

[OodleyBoodely]

Originally Posted by reefBoyDc

Hey,

I'm having a bit of grape caulerpa problem. it started on one rock and looked really cool, so I left it, but now it's everywhere. It's really hard to yank out as it crawls on the LR.

Is there anything I can put in a 29gal that will eat the stuff? Unfortunately, no. It's not that there is not anything suitable for your tank that will eat it, it is just that they won't be able to eat enough to make a differance. The C. racemosa will grow faster than any small herbivore will be able to deal with, and, adding any other animals at this time will only complicate and increase the problem. Only after you limit the phosphates and nitrates that are feeding the algae to the point of starving the algae will you see any dents in the algae growth by herbivores, and by that time, the herbivores won't be needed anyway because the algae will die off without enough phosphate to feed it.

Please do a search on phosphates here and in the Think Tank to help you with understanding this problem and with how to deal with it. I have been there and know how bad racemosa can be-I tried everything from fish and crabs to scrubbing the rock with wire brushes (works well for a while but comes back if the water quality is not there) and nothing worked to eradicate the stuff-in fact it made it worse as it spread it to all the other rock. It was not until I upgraded my skimmer, reduced feedings drastically, reduced the bioload (too many fish!) and, improved the quality of my source water that I saw a change in the growth rate of the algae which stopped growing and could then be eliminated through herbivory and manual removal. The improved export of nutrients through better skimming is what made the differance, IMO. HTH!

[reefBoyDc]

Thanks Oodley,

Unfortunately, I think the only thing I can do is try to cut the phosphates down, as they may be high. I stopped using the phos remover because the one I had was aluminium oxide which was causing the coral polyps to not fully extend. My nitrates are at 0, always have been thanks to the DSB w/ plenum. I use DI water. I think I may upgrade my skimmer as you suggested, as that is the weak link in my system right now.

[iamdickie]

Originally Posted by reefBoyDc

Hey,

I'm having a bit of grape caulerpa problem. it started on one rock and looked really cool, so I left it, but now it's everywhere. It's really hard to yank out as it crawls on the LR.

Is there anything I can put in a 29gal that will eat the stuff?

Thanks.

Talk about a rock and a hard place. I know a fox face would make short work of it in any tank over 50, but in a tank that small, you might try some phosban. GOOD luck

[OodleyBoodely]

Originally Posted by reefBoyDc

Thanks Oodley,

Unfortunately, I think the only thing I can do is try to cut the phosphates down, as they may be high. I stopped using the phos remover because the one I had was aluminium oxide which was causing the coral polyps to not fully extend. My nitrates are at 0, always have been thanks to the DSB w/ plenum. The test readings you are getting may be missleading. Phosphates get tied up in biomass (algae/bacteria/animal) as fast as it is released through decomposition. It just never has the chance to register on a water test, but it is there! The fact that the algae is growing is proof of excess nutrients in the system. Nitrate may be low due to the DSB processing it, but it may still be fueling the algae growth as well. DSBs are great nutrient sinks, but as they get older, they begin to cause more problems with excess nutrients as they reach thier saturation point. You may want to do a search on DSB if you have not already. There are some really good threads here on DSBs and phospates.

I use DI water. A definate plus! Larger more frequent water changes after blasting the detritus off your lr combined with siphoning detritus from the surface of your sandbed will help with your algae problem. My algae problems are mostly controled through skimming and detritus removal by siphoning now (I removed my dsb this year when algae and cyano became uncontrollable).I think I may upgrade my skimmer as you suggested, as that is the weak link in my system right now. This could help. Even running two on a temporary basis may be enough to help.

[dwibier]

Try a yellow tang, i've heard they eat caulerpa.

[reefBoyDc]

I'd love to, however, I could never put one in a 29 gallon tank. Thanks though.

[aussiereefer82]

Hi guys. Not that i recommend it but one of the LFS i use over here has a showtank that could'nt be more than 20gals and they have 3x perc clowns 1x blue damsel 1x BLUE TANG! 1x YELLOW TANG! as well as various corals and anenomes. They do not even have a skimmer or external filter. I feel sorry for the tangs because they have no room at all to swim but they look healthy and have been in there for at least a year that i know of. the guy at the LFS told me thay 10% water per weak and have no probs.

Like i said i do not recommend it but i have seen tangs in small tanks doing very well.

[reefBoyDc]

As i understand it, it the size that matters, not water quality per se. Tangs like to swim a lot, and confining them stresses them. Maybe I can put a tang in there for a few days, let him feast, them return him.

[aussiereefer82]

Like i said i don't reccomend it.

[jesspaul]

I bought a tiny blue tang six months ago and he's living in the refugium (20 long) till he gets big enough to deal with the yellow tang in the 90 gal, actually I hope to have a bigger tank before then but thats another story. He hangs out with the cleaner shrimp and seems happy. He is about 3 in now. In any case I'm sure I could find him a home if he gets too big. Since the LFS gets about twice as much for a big one as a small one they might be willing to work with you.

[ballvice]

My emerald crabs eat it like "grapes" GRIN, but I don't think they could keep up with the amount you have. If you have a sump or refugium I would pull it out of the tank (if you can get to it) and put in one of those places.

F

[reefBoyDc]

Emerald crabs eat it?! YUM! I should get one. The algae is very hard to get. I pick at it once a week with tweezers to try to get every bit out. it always grows back. Thanks for all the tips and ideas guys.