Grape caulerpa macro algae 1 cup

Grape Caulerpa (Caulerpa racemosa) Care Guide 🍇🌿

Lighting:

💡 Moderate to High

Grows best under full-spectrum reef or refugium lighting. Intensity encourages lush, dense growth.

Flow:

🌊 Moderate flow

Prevents detritus buildup and helps distribute nutrients, but avoid blasting it directly to reduce the risk of it detaching.

Water Parameters:

• Temp: 72–78°F

• Salinity: 1.024–1.026

• Nitrate: 2–20 ppm (needs some nitrate to grow)

• Phosphate: 0.02–0.10 ppm

• pH: 8.1–8.4

Placement:

📍 Sump refugium or dedicated algae area. Can be used in the display tank but may spread aggressively if not managed.

Growth & Trimming:

✂️ Fast grower — trim weekly to prevent sexual reproduction (which can crash pH and oxygen). Remove trimmed portions from the system.

Benefits:

✅ Nutrient export

✅ Competes with nuisance algae

✅ Habitat for copepods and amphipods

Caution:

🚫 May go “sexual” under stress (turns white and melts). Avoid drastic changes in light, nutrients, or temperature. Always trim proactively.

Bonus Tip:

Anchor it with rubble rock or use a macro algae basket to control spreading.