Plant ID, And What will eat it?

[--|--]

http://chrispol.ath.cx:8080/weeds.jpg

i keep weeding this stuff out but man does it grow anyone know what is is
and if there is anything that will eat it?

[Dragon Slayer]

it's a macro algae, not sure of the exact one, but its an excellent nutrient
export, if you are having plague problems with it, if you get rid if it,
your tank is most likely going to be over run with nuisance algae's instead.



kc


"--|--" > wrote in message
...
> http://chrispol.ath.cx:8080/weeds.jpg
>
> i keep weeding this stuff out but man does it grow anyone know what is is
> and if there is anything that will eat it?
>
>

[Chris Taylor]

Looks like Caulerpa Prolifera. There's a hint in the name there somewhere -
'proliferate'. The recommendation from my guidebook is to prune small
amounts regularly rather than a massive occasional cull. Large cutbacks may
permanently damage the entire growth due to excess fluid losses from the cut
surfaces.


Chris


"Dragon Slayer" > wrote in message
...
> it's a macro algae, not sure of the exact one, but its an excellent
nutrient
> export, if you are having plague problems with it, if you get rid if it,
> your tank is most likely going to be over run with nuisance algae's
instead.
>
>
>
> kc
>
>
> "--|--" > wrote in message
> ...
> > http://chrispol.ath.cx:8080/weeds.jpg
> >
> > i keep weeding this stuff out but man does it grow anyone know what is
is
> > and if there is anything that will eat it?
> >
> >
>
>

[Boomer]

The plant in question is a_Caulerpa serrulata var. hummii_. It is found in the Westerna
snd Sother Caribbean. And not much of any thing eats it. I know of nothing or anyomne that
has found something that does :-( The best control is "hand-picking" it out.

"There is some question as to whether Caulerpa in general is a good nutrient
export mechanism since some have noted that they put out chemicals which
are thought to be adverse to fish and some of the inverts. In addition this
algae can sexually reproduce, destroying the host which will deteriorate
rapidly perhaps fouling the system. However, I have never noticed any
negative effects even with the large mass of this algae present in the sump.
I do prune heavily and some have noted that this might prevent sexual re-
production."


"Volume 38: Supplement 1

The Diversity and Availability of Caulerpa Species Found in Retail Aquarium Outlets in
Southern California, USA

S. M. Frisch
S. N. Murray


Abstract

Abstract: Biological invasions are recognized as a serious threat to marine biodiversity.
Within the last 2 years, invasive
populations of Caulerpa taxifolia were found in southern California's coastal waters as
well as in New South Wales, Australia. In addition, two other seaweeds (Undaria
pinnatifida and Caulacanthus ustulatus) also appear to have recently invaded southern
California's warm temperate waters. The introduction of C. taxifolia has attracted much
attention because this exotic seaweed is thought to have significantly altered the
structure of Mediterranean marine ecosystems following its 1984 invasion. The southern
California inoculation of C. taxifolia is believed to have resulted from the release of
aquarium specimens. Besides C. taxifolia, other species of Caulerpa being sold for
aquarium use also may have the potential to invade temperate waters. As a first step
towards making this determination, the availability (% frequency) of Caulerpa species
being sold in southern California for aquarium use was ascertained. Fifty retail sal****er
aquarium stores were visited in three southern California counties between November 2000
and August 2001. Sixteen Caulerpa taxa were identified from the retail aquarium outlets.
Caulerpa species were sold in 52% of these stores. C. taxifolia, 'Mediterranean form', was
offered for sale in 10% of the visited stores; C. serrulata var. hummii (18%), C. racemosa
(14%), and C. racemosa var. lamourouxii (14%) were the most commonly sold species. These
data indicate that the aquarium industry is bringing into the region other species of
Caulerpa besides C. taxifolia. Some of these species may also have the potential to invade
temperate waters.

Article Type: Original Article
Page range: 11 - 11"

--
Boomer

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"--|--" > wrote in message
...
: http://chrispol.ath.cx:8080/weeds.jpg
:
: i keep weeding this stuff out but man does it grow anyone know what is is
: and if there is anything that will eat it?
:
:

[Pszemol]

If Caulerpa is not considered good plant for refugiums,
which other are the best nutrient exporters?
I have a lot of Gracilaria Verrucosa (red and green variety)
in my refugium - they grow fast, should I be concerned with
similar problems to problems with Caulerpa species?

[Boomer]

_Caualerpa racemosa_ is a better choice or one of the _Chaetomorpha sp._. _C. racmosa_
dose not go sexually as much as other Caulerpa and going sexually is not a good thing.

Here is some info on _Gracilaria verrucosa _. One problem with this algae is that is sucks
up allot of Iodine, which is probably more a good thing than a bad thing. This also a
great food and many of the food reefers use have/buy has this in it or want it growing in
their tanks

http://www.fao.org/docrep/field/003/AB730E/AB730E01.htm

Boomer

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"Pszemol" > wrote in message ...
: If Caulerpa is not considered good plant for refugiums,
: which other are the best nutrient exporters?
: I have a lot of Gracilaria Verrucosa (red and green variety)
: in my refugium - they grow fast, should I be concerned with
: similar problems to problems with Caulerpa species?

[Pszemol]

This sucking up iodine apply to red variety only or maybe to green one, too?
Cannot find the info about the color varietes...

"Boomer" > wrote in message ...
> _Caualerpa racemosa_ is a better choice or one of the _Chaetomorpha sp._. _C. racmosa_
> dose not go sexually as much as other Caulerpa and going sexually is not a good thing.
>
> Here is some info on _Gracilaria verrucosa _. One problem with this algae is that is sucks
> up allot of Iodine, which is probably more a good thing than a bad thing. This also a
> great food and many of the food reefers use have/buy has this in it or want it growing in
> their tanks
>
> http://www.fao.org/docrep/field/003/AB730E/AB730E01.htm
>
> Boomer
>
> Want to talk chemistry ? The Reef Chemistry Forum
> http://www.reefcentral.com/vbulletin/index.php
>
> Want to See More ?
> Please Join Our Growing Membership
> www.coralrealm.com
>
> If You See Me Running You Better Catch-Up
> "Pszemol" > wrote in message ...
> : If Caulerpa is not considered good plant for refugiums,
> : which other are the best nutrient exporters?
> : I have a lot of Gracilaria Verrucosa (red and green variety)
> : in my refugium - they grow fast, should I be concerned with
> : similar problems to problems with Caulerpa species?
>
>

[Boomer]

Many algae's Pszemol. Here is some heavy reading for you :-)


http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/april2003/chem.htm


Boomer

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