Sexual Macro

[ReeferRob]

Just curious how to avoid macro algea from going sexual?
I have heard that it can be real bad when it does happen and I want to avoid it at all costs.
Also, or instead a link on the subject so that I can better educate myself on this subject.
for example, Why it happens? What happens? and why it is bad?
Thanks CZ
ReeferRob

 

[shred5]

Just curious how to avoid macro algea from going sexual?
I have heard that it can be real bad when it does happen and I want to avoid it at all costs.
Also, or instead a link on the subject so that I can better educate myself on this subject.
for example, Why it happens? What happens? and why it is bad?
Thanks CZ
ReeferRob

I have had it happen a few times... Not really that bad and most of it ends up being food for filter feeders... But I suppose if you have a ton of it in a small tank it could be a problem.

How do you stop it? harvest it! I guess keeping it lit for 24 hrs is supposed to stop it. Never tried lighting a fuge for 24 hrs...

Dave

 

[Patwa]

if you're aiming strictly for nutrient export, then just stock your fuge with chaetomorpha.......caulerpa is the one that goes sexual....chaeto does not (and it grows waay faster than caulerpa).

Zach.

 

[shred5]

Red Grassularia is athother good algae for nutrient export.

Another thing about caulerpa is they are supposed to give off toxins that inhibit and burn corals. Red Grassularia and cheato are supposedly not supposed to do this as much if at all....