Gozer_1

So, I have caulerpa. A few kinds in fact/ Kind of like I hit a "stage". I had brown then slime then hair (still have some hair), now I have green caulerpa. It is thriving very well. I think it may have to do with my phosphate issues but I'd also like to find something to eat it. I've been told tangs will eat it but I only have 55 Gals. I have looked into a Yellow eye Kole. They seem to be smaller but I'm not sure. They still supposedly get pretty good size. I have also considerd a Lettuce slug, but they may only help with one variety of caulerpa. On a lighter note the LFS lady said she'd love to buy some caulerpa. lol

I have also recently noticed a small group of tiny pink things I believe to be flatworms. They haven't really gotten out of hand yet. I think my Banded Shrimp and little mystery stars I have yet to identify are munching on them. Any advice on keeping them under control? I don't want to have to go the Velvet Nudi route. Like I said they aren't out of control but I know they could easily get that way.

Mike

Hi Gozer - I have some growing in my tank too, that started showing up about a month ago. I'll get some pics up later, but it's growing inside of some of my zoos. I tried pulling it out last night but it really is clinging to the underlying rock and little pieces just break off in my hands. You hear all the horror stories about it going sexual in 2 - 3 months time and wiping out tanks. I don't have near enough to worry just yet, but maybe. It's really growing fast too. I have the grape caulerpa (caulerpa racemosa?), I think thats what it is anyway.

As far as animals that will eat it goes, I've heard there are certain species of tangs but I've never seen the yellow tang in my tank go anywhere near the stuff.

Have to run to a birthday party right now, but will get back online later.

Mike

Mike

Here's a shot under the actinics. You can see how it's growing by looking at the top left and bottom left of the photo. Looks like runners extending.


Second picture of the caulerpa (c. racemosa I think anyway):


Also pulling bubble algae out of the tank when doing maintenance every once in a while. This stuff feels really cool in your fingers (like rubber marbles) but I don't want it to get out of hand.

Gozer_1

Ah yes. The very same caulerpa. I have a couple patches. I also have one other kind. I forget the name right now. It's a slow grower though. Those grapes can grow though. I pick runners out every few days. One patch is very near a patch of my Zoos as well. I'm doing all I can to keep it out of them. Like you said though, those little shoots root themselves in pretty well. I have had fair success with a nice pair of tweezers. lol.

So your Yellow doesn't go for it eh? Hmmm. I hope to get a Yellow Eyed Kole. I've read they are big time algae munchers. Hope it has a taste for the stuff if I do get one. The LFS is looking into getting one for me. With their track record I may see one in 2099.

Mike

Hee he. I've heard that some yellow tangs will eat it, though mine doesn't.

agsansoo

Have you guys tried Sea Hares (Aplysia punctata) ? A foxface might eat it also, but they get too big.

Gozer_1

I thought about them but read they get to be football sized. Don't know if thats true or not so I figured better not find out in my own tank lol. I also have considered Lettuce Nudibrachs but I'm leary of them getting sucked into a filter intake as well as their nasty habit of squirting yucky stuff if they freak out. Again, I only know about them from reading here and there online.

No word on the Kole but I did pick up a couple small mushroom frags. One small peice has one red mushroom and I think there may be a small green one hiding under it. I also got a small green hairy mushroom. They're pretty small but only for the time being lol. Only a matter of time.