Caulerp? - Does it need to sand to grow?

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bolis03

[I currently have a wet/dry sump with bioballs, I know what every is thinking, that is why in the near future, I want to slowly being to remove them and replace them with some caulerpa. Now my question is does caulerpa need sand to grow or can I just put the caulerpa in the spot where the bioballs are now and just add a light to them.]



Edited By bolis03 on 1108061862
 
[It doesn't have traditional root structures. It doesn't grow in sand if that is your question.

I think the president recommends cheatomorph over calerpa types of Macro algae.

if you are contemplating using macro algae you need to read the thread title when algae goes asexual.]
 
[It really would like sand to grap ahold of and probably would do better with sand. But I would not use caulerpa in my tank. Chaetomorpha is as good as caulerpa at growing and removing excess nutrients in a system. And there are no worries about it going asexual and also realeasing caulerpin into the tank. Also with chaetomorpha there is no need for any sand because it just grows in the open with no root structure.]



Edited By Rick on 1108063137
 
[Personally I use Caulerpa prolifera and Chaetomorpha. Chaetomorpha is more free floating and in my opinion doesn't have the nutrient extraction Caulerpa has.

In my opinon I think grape caulerpa has the best nutrient exporter but, most likely to go assexual.]
 
[Chaeto is excellent for nutrient export and it can free float, as it has no root structure.
I grow feather caulerpa as well and it certainly lays down roots, lots of them!
I think it may be a species issue. The razor caulerpa I had experience with never rooted the way this feather does.
If you are looking to replace bioballs, and not have the "typical" fuge I would certainly recommend chaetomorpha over any of the others.]
 
[I've had several kinds of caulerpa, and all of them had a root system and would use that to hold onto the sand, the walls, and anything else in the refugium.]
 
[I have grape, razor amd an unknown caulerpa in my sump. They all secured themselves very firmly with roots to a large live rock I put in.]



Edited By Birder on 1108250345
 
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