Refugium question

[~reefchik~]

How much is too much chaeto or caulerpa?

[lazylivin]

It is only to much when growth starts to slow because it is to thick and competes with itself for light and space.

[~reefchik~]

Ok, well, the chaeto clump has tripled in size, and is floating at the intake area. Then there are small strands of caulerpa that have sort of taken hold over on the other end at the overflow area that goes to the sump with the skimmer and return pump. 

They seem to be doing an ok job of filtration, and as I posted a week or two ago, most of the algae in the display has died off (or been eaten by our resident Kirby monster) and isn't coming back. 

How would I know if it's "competing with itself"?  Die-off?

[lazylivin]

How would I know if it's "competing with itself"?  Die-off?

Slowed growth rate due to lack of light. Consider pruning it. Most folks usually harvest about 1/2 the macroalgae in there refugium per month depending on growth rate. Pruning will encourage growth. After you prune it, flatten out like a thin mat what you leave in the refugium to maximize light exposure.

[RTN_H8ter]

What he said

I prune mine when its filled the refugium, or close to it. BY then its a very thick mat.

[Joel]

I remove weekly the amount that can re grow in a weeks time. I remove the older, not the newest growth. It takes several weeks of trial and error to learn the amount to remove but I get vigorous growth with this method. Keeping the macro in a vigorous growth mode burns up (consumes) more unwanted nutrients.

[~reefchik~]

Good answers guys, thanks so much!