Dragon breath vs Cheato, which one is better?

[CyberGuy]

Right now I only have dragon breath in my refugium. Should I add cheato to it to have both red and green macro algea? Will they compete with each other or supplement each other? If cheato is better at nutrient export, should I replace the dragon breath with it?

Or... not add cheato and just let the dragon breath grow because it is better than the green cheato.

 

[lapin]

I would avoid the cheato. Look to ther non evasive green macros if you want some green

 

[CyberGuy]

I would avoid the cheato. Look to ther non evasive green macros if you want some green

My main concern is really best nutrient export. I do not care much about esthetic since they are in the sump/refugium and not looked at.
Thanks.

 

[JosephM]

If you’re most worried about getting the best export dragons breath wouldn’t be the way to go. It’s a slower growing micro algae but really nice in DT. Some better options would be chaeto (what I use), chalupera (high risk of going sexual), even green sea lettuce. I’ve heard some people can grow ulva really well too.

 

[Hincapiej4]

why avoid cheato? Im confused now

 

[ThePurple12]

They won't outcompete each other. If you want nutrient export, definitely add some Chaeto.

 

[CyberGuy]

I noticed that the dragon breath produced a red film on the wall of my refugium. Will this red film layer be seen on my live rocks and glass wall of my main display as well?