[pic] replaced my refugiums macro, please advise on this new variety..

[jeffgnz]

A local reefer had a breaking down tank firesale today. He had a sump full of this red macro and it caught my eye because I have had probs with my green caulerpa dying off in mass and going clear. I ditched my green caulerpa and got this red variety. I know nothing about it. One concern I have is a small batch of this same variety in my display has not done too well.. however maybe it's possible the green caulerpa was trying to kill it with chemical warfare. This red batch i just put in looks extremely healthy. Does it need light 24x7? 8hrs a day? Anything I can do to ensure it remains healthy and vibrant? Thanks!

http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/4499/newmacroyv1.jpg

[fareforce]

From the picture it looks like it is Botryocladia sp. AKA Red Grape Kelp. It needs moderate light, and I would run your fuge light cycle oposite of your tank.

[jeffgnz]

Here is a closer pic, i don't think it is grape, sorry my camera is crud:

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/5305/macrocloseeh4.jpg

I can't seem to identify it online

[HammerDude33]

it will die just like the other macroalgae. the type of algae is not the reason it didn't do well.

is the tank brand new? from the picture of the sump- it looks brand new. you need to give the tank a little time to start generating food for the macros.
macros not doing well in new tanks is very common.
i lost a few handfuls of chaeto in the beginning...i just kept replacing it until it started to flourish.

give it a little time.