Yet another component arrived yesterday

[Hommeworks]

My EcoSystem filtration unit arrived last night. Its got a big acrylic tank, 3 chambers, 2 PC lights, miracle mud, and bio-balls.

Most of these systems set up with Caulerpa, but I heard that this fauna can be risky if there is a major die off, a huge load of waste material can be released into the system.

I've read where red mangrove is more efficient, and less risky, but requires more time to establish. Anyone know where to get red mangrove starters. They are supposed to look like cigar stubs. I'd like to get some of these started.

[VitoM]

Hiya Homme.. I had my ecosystem 40 setup for about 4 months now.. And have gone through some cualerpa die off.. Didnt really impact my system at all.. The ecosystem is great.. I guess it acts like a refugium of some sorts too..

Where did you hear that Red Mangroves are good? Can we use this along with the cualerpa until it becomes established?

Regards,
Vito

[Hommeworks]

Hey Vito,

I read about red mangrove in a book by Anthony Califano. Plus my LFS had the same recomendation. Putting the two types of fauna together mights be possible, but you have to have room to trim the cualerpa. I'm also going to throw in some tropical clams for additional filtering.

[GSM]

I don't think you should abandon caulerpa (or other macroalgae) in favor of mangroves... Unless you have a large amount, doesn't seem they would suck up nutrients at the same rate as an algae. JMO of course.

Maybe you could try some other macros, like spaghetti, halimeda, etc, in addition to some mangroves?

[sponge steve]

Homme, try this Caulerpa. All the other types (feather, grape) died but this prolifera took off and I'm cutting back on a monthly basis. I have the 3012 model ecosystem and everything is doing GREAT! The following is a paste from my Ebay deal. This person sells the stuff on a regular basis. Don't give up on the caulerpa, it does work well. Steve
Caulerpa Prolifera Macroalgae Saltwater
Item # 2003475719

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