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In taxonomy, Chaetomorpha is a genus of algae, specifically of the Cladophoraceae.[1]
[edit] Aquarium Hobby Usage
Chaetomorpha is especially common in saltwater aquariums because it can be used for removal of nutrients, especially nitrates. Aquarists will commonly house this alga, perhaps with others, in a refugium. Once it has grown to a significant mass, a chunk of the algae is removed to be thrown out or donated to another aquarist, taking the nutrients it has absorbed out of the system. Chaetomorpha is preferred over other macroalgae such as Caulerpa because unlike Caulerpa, it will not undergo sexual reproduction in the aquarium. When this occurs in algae, the nutrients absored will be released back into the system and can cause a tank crash. It is also easy to remove because it will not attach to rocks or substrates.
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