New Refugium setup question

[Biggen]

I am in the process of setting up a refugium for my 40 gallon. Calerpa seems to be out of the question as I don't want to risk it going sexual on me. Plus, according to Bob Fenner, it seems that Calerpa is actual toxic to coral and can retard their growth.

So I am trying to figure out some alternative macro algaes. So far I have come up with Chaetomorpha and Halimeda as good macros. I know that Halimeda is an calcium encrusting algae, but I don't believe it will cause a serious drain on my Ca levels since I keep them up pretty well.

Some other possibilities are Syringodium Sp. and Thalassia sp. I am unfamiliar with the latter two. Anyone have any experience with these two in a refugium environment?

Any other possibilities for good macros?

 

[JamesR]

I had the same dilema and went with the Chaetomorpha. I did some research and it seems like a good fit for my/your needs. I just floats at the bottom of the water and doesn't need to attach "roots" anywhere. I have read that it is very hardy as well.

Good luck,
Jim

 

[malkore]

I'm using chaeto too, got some from a mod on another forum for the price of shipping.

It does like plenty of light. I got one of those dinky 2x13watt coralife fixtures, made little brackets for it so it sits snugly on my CPR hang-on fuge. I could honestly put 2 of those fixtures on my fuge and that'd adequately light it....but my chaeto is doing ok.
a large clump floats and thus gets strong light. the other clump sits at the bottom, doesnt' grow much, nor does it die.
I should try to do some egg crate in there and raise it all up halfway for better lighting.

 

[Biggen]

Good feedback on the Chaeto, guys.

 

[ellisz]

I just use 20 watt 6500K screw in PC bulb. I have tried the 75 watt grow bulbs as well. Both work good.

My fuge is about 20-25 gal and is mostly cheato and some calerpa. I have it on a reverse setting with my display. Nothing has went sexually yet and it has been up about 4-5 months. If I had to do it again, I would only use cheato. Easier to take care of.