Caulerpa taxifolia die off

[BAJABOWLER]

I have a new 110 Gal refugium under a 270 Gal main, that I have introduce a clump of Caulerpa taxifolia into at about Thanks Giving time. In the last few weeks, I have noticed that the amount of skimmate has decreased and all coral polyps have remained recessed. Then the Caulerpa taxifolia began to loose its color and turn clear with some turning brown.

What could be going on? A bacterial infection?

The tanks chemicals all test excellent. The temperature has been varing from 74 to 82 F until yesterday, when the chiller arrived. No it is set from 76-78 F. The salt level is kept at 1.025. The system has 4 250 watt metal halides and 2 96W Power compact. In the last week I have reduce the light of the display tank to power compacts only for 8 hr/day. The refugium lights are kept on all the time.

[N20]

macro tends to need iron to grow.
could try adding a little iron every
once in awhile when growth is not good.

theres a great product to buy from "epoutfitters"
on ebay called "coral boost"..dose that and your
macro will probably grow very well.

[BAJABOWLER]

Thanks for the inexpensive chemical source.

[AIMFish]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6477264#post6477264 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by BAJABOWLER
.....In the last week I have reduce the light of the display tank to power compacts only for 8 hr/day. I'm confused, it sounds like things are not going well and you are giving them less light?:confused:

[BAJABOWLER]

I read some other posts that might suggest that the Caulerpa is dieing due to a bacteria out break that is fueled by the 24/7 refugium lights.