Plants out of control

[Ksnell]

The LR I got for my tank a long time ago had some kind of plant growing on it (the leaves are serrated, like little saws, and it kind of looks like an ivy). I had no problem with it, as it looked nice, and was only on a couple of my rocks. Now however, the plant has taken over most of my rocks, and I don't want any of it anymore. Is there anyway besides ripping it off the rocks to get rid of it effectively? TIA.

 

[newfound77951]

Sounds like feather Caulerpa, but could be something else, too.....two ways I can think of to get rid of it would be to keep ripping it out, or get a tang to eat it. Not knowing the size or other inhabitants of your tank i can't speculate on whether the tang option would work for you.

Caulerpa is a great nutrient sponge. If you have a refugium you could try and grow some in there. If you do decide to get rid of it, try bringing it to a local LFS for store credit.

 

[Ksnell]

My tank is only a 20 gallon (see my info), so I think a tang is unfortunately out of the question. I transferred some of this plant to my refugium, and it seems that its taken down there pretty well. In the mean time, I guess I'll keep ripping...

 

[melosu58]

I agree it sounds like feather calerpa. Just rip it out and keep it pruned. As Newfound said it is great for taking in excessive nutrients.

 

[Ziggy953]

I have it growing like mad in my fuge and it started as one lonely frond (looks like feathers). I think it's one of the nicest looking macros but I certainly wouldn't want it in my main tank.