macro algae.. how much is too much????

[bigford84]

a few weeks ago i switched lights on my fuge from a 2 bulb t6 over to one of those squiggle floressent light bulbs that are like 100 watts but are really only like 20 or 60. i did this cause my macro was not growing, but now its exploding!! so how much is too much? ????????

before the new light=

after new light=

 

[mr_X]

the caulerpa must be pruned back or it will go sexual and release all that it's absorbed back into the tank. the chaeto can be left alone.

 

[Ricksreef]

Check and see if your LFS will give you credit if you take them some as it grows.

 

[bigford84]

the caulerpa must be pruned back or it will go sexual and release all that it's absorbed back into the tank. the chaeto can be left alone.

any special way to cut it? or just start cutting?? like is it ok to cut leaves in falf , or do i have to cut from the base?

and its ok for the cheeto to fill the hole fuge?

 

[mr_X]

yes, just rip it out with your hands and give it to another reefer.
and yes, the chaeto can fill the entire refugium. i'll need a large amount in just a few weeks if you can wait. it's warm enough to mail it priority mail.

 

[bigford84]

i would love to help you out mr x

 

[Unicorn]

I'm interested as to what light bulb u r using LOL I'm running a t5 from my old aquarium (came with the set) it's like 6000k ish and my macro is doing miserable.
U having better luck with ur switch so I wanna follow whatever u r doing right
I just need good examples of what to get

Thank u

 

[bigford84]

I think the bulb is from ge. It's a 26 watt bulb but is just as bright as a 100 watt bulb. I'll get a pic of my setup,the bulb,and the package it came in when I get home.

 

[Unicorn]

I think the bulb is from ge. It's a 26 watt bulb but is just as bright as a 100 watt bulb. I'll get a pic of my setup,the bulb,and the package it came in when I get home.

Awesome, thx for the effort and saving my macro

 

[bigford84]

ok here it is... i bought 2 bulbs, one with blue package and one in a green package. i think i used the blue one cause it looked brighter... all in all its a great upgrade for just under $20.00

 

[Gti_Leo]

I'm interested as to what light bulb u r using LOL I'm running a t5 from my old aquarium (came with the set) it's like 6000k ish and my macro is doing miserable.
U having better luck with ur switch so I wanna follow whatever u r doing right
I just need good examples of what to get

Thank u

its not always about the intensity of the light, its also abotu the flow through it and the ammont the algae has to eat.

chaeto as far as my readings have told me, like a good flow of water, it might be a good idea to put a power head in your sump to blow the chaeto around. with more flow the chaeto tends to thicken up and grow faster.

as well a cool white compact like the op is using is all you really need to grow the stuff. if your sump is large using a few more may be required to cover the whole fuge

 

[Unicorn]

Thx for all the info guys I may change the light this weekend and see how it goes.

 

[Unicorn]

Finally was able to go to home depot and follow up, my light set up has been changed as of last night and I can definitely see a difference in light intensity. Let's see how it goes. THANK YOU SO MUCH for saving my macro