In Reef Invertebrates by Calfo there is a lengthy section outlining the pros and cons of caulerpa. Some of the cons are that it can go sexual where the whole colony suddenly dies and begins to decompose polluting your system. It also appears to yellow the water and release calcifying inhibiting compounds that stunt the growth of stony corals. However these problems can be combated by leaving your refugium lights on 24/7 to prevent going sexual and running activated carbon to keep your water clear. One of the other issues that I have with caulerpa is that it can be very invasive. If a small amount somehow makes it into your display tank and gets established it is often difficult to remove. Caulerpa has little hold-fasts that cling to rockwork making manual removal very long and tedious. Also, its sort of hit and miss as to whether or not fish will eat it. In my experience most tangs prefer other foods.
I personally like gracillaria and chaetomorphia. They don't grow as well as caulerpa for me but they grow well enough. They also aren't nearly as invasive or problematic. I grow both in my frag system without any issues of them clinging to everything. The right species of gracillaria is suppose to be very palatable for tangs.
|