Live Chaetomorpha Macro Algae (Chaetomorpha sp.) for Refugium

Live Chaetomorpha Macro Algae (Chaetomorpha sp.)

Chaetomorpha, better known as "chaeto," is the most popular refugium macro algae in the reef hobby, and for good reason. Its dense, spaghetti-like strands absorb nitrate and phosphate as it grows, helping starve out nuisance algae like hair algae, cyano, and dinos. Every time you prune it, you physically remove those nutrients from your system. The tangled ball also gives copepods, amphipods, and other beneficial micro-fauna a safe place to multiply and feed your tank.

Grown in our New Jersey systems and shipped as a clean, healthy ball.

Choose Your Size

• 2"+ ball – $14.99, ideal for nano and small refugiums or to start a culture
• 3"+ ball – $19.99, great for mid-size and larger refugiums for faster nutrient export

Care Quick Facts

• Scientific name: Chaetomorpha sp.
• Care level: Easy
• Lighting: Moderate to high; a dedicated refugium light works best
• Water flow: Moderate. Gentle tumbling keeps the whole ball growing evenly
• Placement: Refugium or sump
• Nutrients: Needs some nitrate and phosphate to grow; growth slows in ultra-low nutrient systems
• Maintenance: Prune or thin regularly to keep it healthy and keep nutrient export going
• Uses: Nutrient export, nuisance algae control, copepod habitat

Why Chaeto?

• Does not attach to rock, so it is easy to remove and trim
• Does not go "sexual" and release nutrients back into the water the way some Caulerpa species can
• Not a favorite of most fish, so it stays put and keeps working

Algae is living and natural, so shape and color will vary slightly from the photos. Size is approximate.

Shipping (Livestock)

• Carrier & Transit: Shipped securely via UPS Next Day Air across the continental U.S. We dispatch Monday through Wednesday, and you choose your preferred arrival date in your cart before checking out.
• Delivery Schedule: Standard deliveries typically arrive before noon, though outlying or rural routes may extend as late as 7:00 PM.
• Security & Local Pickup: Packages are sent strictly to the address provided at checkout unless prior arrangements are confirmed via email. Local pickup options are available right here in New Jersey — simply select the pickup option at checkout or reach out to coordinate.

Live Shipping Rates

• Standard Flat Rate: $54.99 for delivery across the continental United States.
• Regional Flat Rate: $34.99 for orders shipping to New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.
• Free Livestock Shipping: Unlocked automatically on orders of $299 or more after discounts. Gift cards and store credit are applied as payment and do not count toward this total.
• Order Minimum: A minimum purchase of $60 is required for all shipped orders.

Dry Goods & Equipment Shipping

• Aquarium Supplies: Ship free. Items ordered alongside livestock are packed into the same shipment at no additional cost, and dry-goods-only orders ship free as well.
• Drop-Shipped Equipment: Aquarium Lighting, Powerheads, Return Pumps, and Protein Skimmers ship directly from our wholesale distributor at no shipping cost to you. These items are never packed with live orders.

Arrive Alive & DOA Policy

• Our Guarantee: We proudly guarantee that all livestock will arrive alive, healthy, and precisely as described.
• Reporting Window: In the rare event of a DOA, notify us via email within 2 hours of the official UPS timestamped delivery.
• Photo Requirements: Submissions must include clear, well-lit photographs of the specimen both in the unopened original bag (with the seal clearly visible) and out of the bag.
• Delivery Presence: Buyers must be present to accept the delivery on the first attempt; missed first-time deliveries will automatically void all DOA coverage.
• Resolution: Validated claims are eligible for a replacement specimen or store credit (note that original shipping fees are non-refundable).

While carrier delivery windows dispatched via UPS Next Day Air cannot be strictly guaranteed due to potential mechanical or weather delays, we will always collaborate with you to resolve any transit issues.

Need Help?

Reach out to our support team anytime by email: info@thetwincoralsshop.com

All policies are subject to change without prior notice at the discretion of The Twin Corals Shop.

How We Photograph Our Corals

Every WYSIWYG photo on The Twin Corals Shop is captured directly in our systems using meticulous settings to ensure absolute transparency. Our goal is straightforward: show the coral precisely as it appears in a well-maintained reef aquarium — never heavily filtered or artificially saturated.

Our Camera & Optics

• Camera: Panasonic Lumix G85
• Lens / Mode: Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f/2.8 Macro Lens
• ISO: 50
• White Balance: Custom set between 9,000K–10,000K

This setup allows us to highlight the finest structural details — from delicate polyp extension and skeletal texture to subtle gradient color shifts — without washing out the true look of the animal.

Lighting We Shoot Under

• Fixtures: Nicrew Hyperreef Gen2 (100W or 150W depending on the system)
• Photo Spectrum Mix: White 5% · Violet 60% · UV 60% · Deep Blue 50%

Color Accuracy & Your Tank

By utilizing a targeted custom white balance, our photos closely mirror what you will see under a clean, balanced blue-leaning reef spectrum.

Keep in mind that corals are living organisms; their appearance can naturally shift from tank to tank depending on your specific water parameters, nutrient levels, lighting spectrum, and flow patterns. We strive to provide honest, dependable photos you can trust so your new coral looks right at home from day one.