hmm interesting. ive got grape caulerpa in my main tank and ive got red gracilaria in a hang on refugium (filter). ive never heard that more than one is detrimental i guess, but if thats the case the caulerpa is outta here!
here is a web page with lots of good info on ithttp://www.wetwebmedia.com/maralgfaq3.htm
this is some of the things they talk about. lots of info on this
Macroalgae warfare 10/05/03
Hi Crew! I am discovering for myself the major downside of grape Caulerpa,
<indeed... it has been documented to be perhaps the most noxious of an already very noxious genus of algae>
which doesn't seem to be the threat of going sexual, especially since I pull out from my 'fuge a cup or so every few days.
<correct... the threat of "going vegetative" is easily skirted by interrupting the 3-6 month life cycle by regular thinning>
It's a weed! Some other algae species seem to survive (such as feather Caulerpa and sawgrass) but not thrive. My Gracillaria (Ogo) didn't make it and my C. racemosa also couldn't compete. The Chaetomorpha ball hasn't grown in over two months! but I guess it's doing the job of removing nutrients, don't you think?
<ahhh... not growing but exporting nutrients? How do you figure? Sounds to me like you've made the mistake of mixing algae that too many folks do. They are very (chemically) competitive with each other. Energies used in warfare could instead be used for good vigor/growth. Please have the discipline to use only one algae species proper in your vegetable filter/refugium. Anthony>
here is another one
I am in the process of adding a 20g refugium to this aquarium so I am hopeful this will help to reduce the diatom problem as well provide ‘pods for a mandarin and food for tangs.
<A refugium will definitely help process organics to reduce some nuisance algae>
I have read that mangrove is one of the most efficient consumers of nitrates and I have read that Caulerpa is the best consumer of nitrates/phosphates.
<Well, in my opinion, and the opinion of many others- mangroves simply grow too slowly to be considered an efficient nutrient export mechanism. Caulerpa is a great consumer of nutrients, but has some potential drawbacks to its use in some cases, such as a propensity to crash and release its gametes and adsorbed nutrients back into the system. Look for the macroalgae Chaetomorpha, which is every bit as prolific as Caulerpa, without any of the "dark side"! Or- you could try propagating Gracilaria parvispora, a great and useful algae!>
Which do you recommend growing in a refugium (or do you recommend both)?
<Chaetomorpha or Gracilaria, baby!>
Of the various types of Caulerpa, what type is the best at NNR and phosphate reduction – without releasing toxins or being overly-invasive?
<Other hobbyists may disagree- But I feel that none of them are without this potential problem!>
Since I have many tangs, I was planning to grow IPSF’s “Tang Heaven” in the refugium as well but I see they offer three
types (red, yellow, gold and green). Which type would be most attractive /beneficial to tangs and how would “Tang Heaven” compare to Caulerpa or mangrove for NNR or phosphate reduction?
<"Tang Heaven" (Gracilaria) is an awesome macroalgae, which would be my first choice for organic nutrient control. However, many people seem to find it a bit tricky to grow. I would utilize any of the Gracilaria species, but I prefer the red variety. The limiting factors in its propagation are nutrients, lighting, and water motion. Try to keep it well lit, and in constant motion.>
i decided to go with just the red gracilaria tikvanhiae for my tangs and angels. well let me know if this info is any help for you.