Category Archives: Algae

The Macro Algae Chaetomorpha

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The macro algae Chaetomorpha has become a reefers best friend in the last few years, beating out Caulerpa as the macro algae of choice.  Chaetomorpha is generally placed in a refugium that is connected to a saltwater reef tank where It is usually balled up.  This macro algae has many benefits to a reefkeeper but generally its sole purpose is to absorb nutrients such as nitrates.

This macro algae is very common in saltwater reef tanks  and it is easily obtainable.  It can be purchased through online stores, forums and ebay but the best way to get some is to just ask a fellow saltwater aquarist.  Many people in reef clubs will trim down there chaetomorpha and give it away at swaps or just charge shipping if buying it online.

Chaeto as it is sometimes called has the ability to host a whole slew of saltwater organisms such as pods, mini stars, and worms.  When properly cared for it grows into a dense ball that gives the organisms a place to hide.  Chaetomorpha  is preferred by reef tanks owners over Caulerpa becouse unlike Caulerpa it does not go sexual.  When Caulerpa goes sexual it releases most of its nutrients it has absorbed and it could cause a tank crash.  Using Chaetomorpha will help fight nuisance algae by feeding on nutrients that are used by nuisance algae thereby creating a healthy competition between the algae.

Chaetomorpha is best used in a refugium with a little flow and a light. A lot of reefkeepers have had success growing this macro algae with a basic compact fluorescent 75 watt (5100K)  floodlight, although for best results its better to provide a stronger light.

“Ilyanassa obsoleta” The Snail that Rules Ebay.

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  I had planned on talking about laminar flow this blog but an important issue was brought to my attention the other night about my Beneficial Reef Aquarium Snail article.  I had a post in the article about the Ilyanassa Obsoleta snail and how it was a good detritus cleaner and scavenger.  It turns out that there is a lot of debate about these snails.

  These snails can be found on ebay, in fact there so prevalent on ebay that there are literaly dozens of pages with auctions on them.  They are extremely cheap and are found in cooler waters which makes them easy to come by, especially on the east coast. 

  I have used these snails before with a small amount of success, after all Its hard to pass up 50 saltwater snails for $20 and $5 shipping.  The auctions on ebay say that these snails do just about every thing and anything.  What they don’t tell you is that they can carry nearly 9 types of trematodes and that half of the adult snails carry at least 1 trematode.  Wonder what a trematode is? Click here.

   Know had I known this information before I purchased these snails some 4 years ago, I would not have made the purchase.  My purchase came from an ebay seller and in my hot reef tank only lasted for about 2 months.  Many other reefers claim to have success with them and continue to buy them.  But buyer beware these saltwater snails should probably be left in the mud flats where they are found with there parasite friends.

  This thread has additional information and is a “must” read if you are considering buying these snails.

  I would also like to thank John from http://www.reefcleaners.org/. For bringing this to my attention.  Check out his site he has great prices on saltwater snails and macro algae.