More Algae In Reefs?

[Noonan]

Is there a reason why you dont see too much algae in reef tanks? I really like the way grape caulerpa, razor caulerpa, feather caulerpa, Caulerpa paspaliodes, and Halmedia look in reef tanks. Its not something you see too often. Im not a fan of hair algae in the tanks by any means - but I do like caulerpa especially when it grows around corals.

Heres a link to someones gallery (off the forums). I really like this tank.

http://www.petstown.net/photos/album15

 

[spooda420]

hmmm... each to their own. I think it looks unkempt, one thing to have it in the fuge but in the display??????

c

 

[NaH2O]

Noonan - welcome to Reef Frontiers! Well, out on the reef there isn't much in the way of this type of algae either, as it usually means there are other issues. Caulerpa contains a toxin that leaks out that isn't good for neighboring corals. The current discussion going on is about algae - Let's Talk About ~Algae~. You may also want to consider keeping them in a refugium that you are able to view. Something else to consider - if you ever don't want the algae in the tank after it is in there, then you may have a difficult time keeping it totally eradicated.

 

[Beckmola24]

Is it bad to keep caulerpa in a refugium?? Won't the toxins still come in contact with corals??

 

[Noonan]

Is it bad to keep caulerpa in a refugium?? Won't the toxins still come in contact with corals??

Probably not. I believe the toxins are only released at night when the caulerpa goes sexual. In a refugium, the lights are always on. Also, if you trim it back you should have any problems with toxins, correct?

Thanks for the replys guys.
I will be building a fuge when I get my new tank up, but I was just wondering about caulerpa in the main tank.

 

[Curtswearing]

Actually caulerpenyne and caulerpacin are released all day long as a feeding deterrent. That's why most fish won't touch it.

If it goes sexual, it's even more dangerous. You could put it in a refugium in a softy tank if you are running carbon but you definately shouldn't put caulerpa in a fuge on an SPS tank. The toxins that get put into the water are a growth inhibitor for the SPS. The algae thread goes into a little more detail on this.

 

[Sealab2021]

is there any caulpera "safe" for displays (no toxin release?)

 

[Curtswearing]

All Caulerpas have toxins. The even more annoying thing is that they have holdfasts. Even if you remove the majority of the plant, the holdfasts tend to grow into a whole new plant.

 

[Sealab2021]

is there any "good/ok" saltwater "plants"? like shaving brush?

 

[Ritsuko Nashida]

Aside from the reasons mentioned by NaH20 and Curtswearing the other issue is that the roots and hold fast can become embedded in the rock in your tank and you will never be able to remove it once they get a foot hold. At that point you will only be fighting a war of attrition in an effort to keep it under control. If you just must use this algae...make sure its in a sump or refugium and that the water is filtered though carbon before being returned to the display. The best algae for a refugium that doesnt impact your corals is Chaeto (tangled green mess resembling tangled fishing line) seems to be relatively harmless. I am sure some "Tang Haven" would probably be okay too. Growing mangroves in another option but it takes a number of them to make much of an impact.

I will admit that in some tanks this could look kinda cool but its really not worth risking the potential problems involved with having macro-algaes growing in your display.

Just something to think about........

 

[Curtswearing]

I don't know how strong the toxins are in shaving brush algae. I would imagine they would be much weaker because you never read news reports of pennicilus algae taking over reef flats.