Caulerpa vs Chaeto Macro Algae

I am wondering why the majority of reefers use chaeto over caulerpa?
I have used only Chaeto and just recently bought some caulerpa because they were out of the chaeto. Anyways, feel free to jump right in on the forum!!!

Thanks,
FLSharkvictim

 

The big problem with Caulerpa is that it has a tendency to eventually "go sexual", which can lead to total disaster in the confined space of an aquarium. Chaeto, OTOH, does not multiply in the same manner, and therefore, presents no such potential issues.

 

+1 I ordered a macro algae pack awhile ago, and the caulerpa is a PITA, and the chaeto isn't. I think I've finally cleared my huge of the caulerpa.

Chaeto for sure

 

Chaeto.

 

This happened in my old 6 gallon, overnight everything died

 

Cheato for me... same reasons as above. The idea is to have a natural way to remove and export the nutrients from the tank. Either one or mangroves turf algae scrubber or even a pile of sloppy algae will work, it s just a matter of what will be easier and has the potential to cause the least amount of problems. That all equals cheato for me. If you have a particular interest in having your refugium as a display piece that can certainly influence your decisions.

 

one you get a calurpa infestation in your tank you will never go near it again. Terrible stuff!

 

The reasons chaeto is the choice:

It's multi cellular, meaning it can be trimmed back without releasing toxins
It doesn't have a "sexual" stage
It doesn't attach to rock work and stays easily contained
It grows nearly as fast anyway
It grows best under an 18/6 schedule saving you some power too

I'm sure I'm forgetting some of the other benefits it has over caulerpa..

 

I hate that cheato fragments. I had little bits all over the place and it drove me insane.

Like said above, it'll also depend on where you are putting it. I wouldn't put cheato in the display, but would tumble it in a fudge. If its in the display, I would choose something else.

 

I agree with all of the above. I'd add to what Incognito said and mention, if you don't have a sump (I don't think you said), stick with something like halimedia; although, you will need to dose ca and alkalinity for it, but it does not take over. Caulerpa is really a nuisance algae. Cheato isn't but is a free-floating algae.