How long does it take for chaeto to take effect?

Hi guys. I recently set up a new 10 gallon sump/refug for my 20 gallon high tank. I had an old 5.5 gallon but the chaeto died off so I rebuilt a bigger sump. But nitrates are still at about 10ppm and I have a good amount of chaeto, live rock and a strand of caulerpa that came from the lfs that i bought them at. Is it possible that its not getting enough light? Right now I have the 4 LED fuge light that was made for the biocubes on the sump. I'm planning to get one of those light bulbs with the reflector built into it. What would be the best kelvin rating? i've read that 5100k and 2700k(?) show the best results? Thanks guys!

 

6500K CF bulbs have worked the best for Chaeto in my experience. Sometimes you'll see some die off after you first put it in, but give it some time and proper lighting and you'll be harvesting it in a month or so.

 

Thanks. Does everyones Chaeto float? I always read that it should float and roll around but mine just kind of sit on the live rock. Its actually pushed against the side of the tank because I'm running a Penguin 200 with Chemipure in it to give it enough flow.

 

It will always float around a little, but once it starts growing it'll be from top to bottom.
I've read about the "tumbling" too, but I've never found it necessary.

 

My chaeto does not float. It's almost neutrally buoyant, but mine rests on the bottom if you'll let it.