When should I add the macroalgae?

[Sooner97]

Hi, I'm in the process of starting up a 72 G reef tank and I was wondering when is the best time to introduce macroalgaes to my refugium. Right now, all I have in my main tank is Southdown sand and I put 12 lbs of the Kent Biosediement in my refugium. I plan on purchasing my live rocks from TBS on Wed. Can I add the macroalgaes now, or should I wait until after my tank cycles? I figure adding it now would help lower the ammonia levels caused by my tank cycling. Thanks.

Also, I've read that Caulerpa isn't the best choice for use in the refugium because of it's potential to go sexual. There's a guy on Ebay that's selling Chaetomorpha Sp. and he says it's much better than Caulerpa. Anybody have any experience with this? Thanks.

Here's a link to that ebay posting:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...&category=3212

[NorthCoast]

I do not see any harm in adding macros when you add the LR. I personally have never had a problem with Caulerpa (or any other marcos) going sexual. Although, there have be numerous accounts of unexplained Caulerpa going sexual.

I would just be sure to start with a small quantity in either case (Caulerpa vs. Chaetomorpha Sp.).

Others may want to chime in...

Later,
NC

[Russ]

Yeah, I'd add it when you add the LR (not before). Personally, I have both types of Macro you mentioned in my fuge. The more diversity, the better.

I've heard Caulerpa won't go sexual if you leave the fuge lights on 24/7. Personally, I have 4 hours of "dark time" over my fuge, and I havn't worried about it. Actually, when I just ran the fuge with lights on for 12 hours per day (initially), I didn't notice it trying to go sexual. It's an unwarranted concern if you have enough light and a long enough "daytime" over your fuge.

[Sooner97]

Thanks for the info.