Growing Caulerpa and Halameda

[kylem]

I have problems getting plants to grow in my sump. They seem to die or fall apart and wont take root.
I have a 20 Watt light over the tank...30 gal sump. Good water flow. What is the problem does anybody know?

 

[wanareef]

I would stay away from Halimeda - takes up too much calicum to grow - that the corals need IMO.

I would say not enough light. I have a 65w HD yd light @ 6500 over the fuge on RPP

hth

 

[Cougra]

I would agree, not enough light in the sump for the macro's to survive.

 

[aquariumdebacle]

Stay away from the Caulerpa species as they can kill your entire tank if a die-off occurs. Any benefit they may offer is far outweighed by the effluents and potential hazards that they pose. Hair algae maybe the best alternative for a low-light, high nutrient situation. Regular harvesting is essential.

 

[NaH2O]

I just wanted to bring up some information on the toxins released by macroalgaes. Macros can't run away from predation, so they have developed toxins. Also, macros have the ability to "leak" - which aids in competing for space. As Dan stated, Caulerpa can be detrimental if a mass die off occurs. It is important to keep your macors from going sexual and/or dieing off. Regular pruning/harvesting is important. Pinch, hold, pull to prune caulerpa....if possible rinse in old tank water before putting back in. This will wash off any toxins that may be present. When macros go sexual or die off - they are releasing all of the nutrients they have absorbed (+toxins) into your system. Halimeda is an interesting macro in the way it builds itself. Here is a good thread on Halimeda - Does Halimeda Release Toxins?.

Macros can be useful to many systems, however, it is important to understand them.

Cyano is probably the best nutrient absorber out there - harvest by siphoning it off the sand.

 

[kylem]

Ok not enought light is probably the answer.
I don't have much plant life right now because I am trying to get it started. I put it in my quarantine tank by itself and it seems to be taking root. The other tank has a little more light and closer to the water surface. So what is Cyano....never heard of it. Do you have a link?

 

[NaH2O]

Cyanobacteria - it is usually considered a nuisance algae, as it is unsightly to have growing across your tank (to the vast majority). However, cyano is an excellent nutrient absorber - better than any algae, and would be a good exporter if harvested. I just don't know too many hobbyists that would be willing to grow this on purpose. Here is a photo I took from Beeba's gallery....the problem has since been cleared up, and if you want to see the result - you can check out Beeba's member gallery (thanks beeba!)

 

[kylem]

I had some in my tank but most of it is gone.
By the way My Calurapa is growing nice now ...with better lighting. I got rid of the halimeda.

thanks