MantisFreak (is this Curt,
btw?
)
I tend to agree with you. I do like Chaeto. (works awesome for packing
frags for shipping!), but I'm not sold on the fact that it's a good nutrient export. I used to pull boatloads of Caulerpa out of our 'fuge every week - it would probably double it's volume weekly. Chaeto,
OTOH, barely doubles it's volume in 8-10 weeks.
IMO, that's simply not enough growth for nutrient export.
I also tend to agree that good pruning practices go a long way toward keeping Caulerpa from going sexual.
FWIW, I think that the *pruning* is closely tied to the 'sufficent food' issue. If pruned back regularly, there is less volume of algae which need nutrients - it doesn't have to 'share' with a larger volume. Less algae = less food needed = sufficient food for existing algae.
Unfortunately, I'm not sure I'm brave enough to attempt to keep it (Caulerpa) when it's not lit 24/7. I'd like to hear experiences of ppl who trim their Caulerpa regularly, light it well, but don't light it 24/7. Our tank adds considerably to our electricity bill as it is. I'm not whining, but I'd prefer to avoid the cost of lighting a 'fuge 24/7 - also considering replacing the
VHO's every 6 mos if used 24/7. Also, I like to light the 'fuge at night only - to balance pH.
Again, I'm not thrilled with the Chaeto. It's great for the reasons you stated, but I don't necessarily view it as a good nutrient export. I've been sitting on the fence with the idea of adding some Caulerpa, and some other macros back into the 'fuge. However, I would like to avoid lighting 24/7.