Now THAT'S Chaeto!

Mine always starts to get white on the bottom and I have to roll it over!

 

I started off with gracilaria, chaeto and ulva and the gracilaria and ulva are slowly being out-competed by the chaeto for nutrient uptake. Although my mangroves might be contributing to this as well.

 

Do you have any issues with detritus getting caught in the chaeto or how do you manage your mechanical filtration prior to the fuge??

 

The fuge is fed by the main return pump so there is minimal detritus getting in via the main tanks. Still, I've got a small clean up crew in the fuge.

 

OK Rocketman, you've inspired me!!

My cheato has always grown well, but,

I more than doubled my lights on my chaeto in my sump, and went from two baskets to one larger one.

I had one 13W CFL 6500K (=60W incadescent), first over one basket, starting with a small clump, that grew to 2 baskets- same light source.

RecentlyI I got another reflector, and stepped up to 2 x 100W equivalents,
and one larger basket. this way the water out of the skimmer compartment goes directly thru the chaeto, instead of a path inbetween the 2 baskets.

So, I more than tripled the light Watts, and doubled the reflectors.

I was inspired, and it cost less than $10 to do.

 

Mine went nuts like that when I converted to automated feeding schedule of phyto, oyster, roti and what I call smoothie (about 16ml on 250g system).

I pull out globs every month or so to ensure nutrient export and to ensure the toxins from the 'white' dying part does not cause problems.

I also think it will compete for food with the corals if left unchecked. I also have to believe it will deplete trace minerals (my Boron apparently very low according to test just done with AWT but ordering salifer to confirm). I recently started full auto dosing of RS Reef Care Program about a month ago, along with significant pruning of cheto (two refugiums, one 30g, one 60g) and everying has really come alive since.

Like you my cheto was massive so possibly too much of a good thing - no nitrates as you might expect!

 

u dose with miracle grow or something? lol

 

amazing growth

 

Thanks for the chaeto Darren and it was great to meet you last week. I see some growth already. 8)
k+

matt