Cultivation of Caulerpa Taxifolia as Feedstock of Bioenergy

Abstract

Research has been conducted on cultivating Caulerpa types macroalgae inside 60x60x30 cm³ indoor aquarium. Caulerpa that has potential as a feedstock in the manufacture of bioethanol has been used merely as a counterweight plants in ornamental saltwater fish farming and as feed material in the salt water pond. Strain Caulerpa is attached to the rock substrate. Laminar conditions and alight are created by seawater circulation pump and installation of warm white 20W fluorescent lamp. This condition is presented every day with a height of 10 cm from water surface. Caulerpa nutrients derived from nitrate and phosphate released by clown fish, types of saltwater fish. Reduced sea water due to evaporation is recovered by adding fresh water to the extent of its original height. Caulerpa is weighed before and after cultivation for 2 months. In 2 months’ time, the significant development of Caulerpa is visually noticed by its growth of fronds, rhizome and rhizoids. It is signed by the brightness of the green colour, with very strong roots attached to the substrate. Variations in the number of fish and the type of substrate performed during cultivation. The weigh results showed a significant difference before and after cultivation with an average percentage growth of 361.86%.

Keywords: Macroalgae, caulerpa, cultivation, clown fish