What am I doing wrong????? Chaeto won't grow

Discussion in 'Refugium' started by johnc101, Apr 22, 2011.

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  1. johnc101

    johnc101 Feather Duster

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    Well I have tried everything to get my Chaeto to grow but it just isnt, I have pretty good flow and my light is more than adequate 6500 but all I get is red cyano growing which I have read is normal in a refugium, I cant figure out what is up. Good think is I have 0 nitrates which is what the chaeto helps remove I believe.

    Any thoughts on this anyone?
     
    johnc101, Apr 22, 2011
    johnc101, Apr 22, 2011
    #1

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  2. dweakl01

    dweakl01 Astrea Snail

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    Try having it tumble a bit. Put some very slight flow over it so it rolls/tumbles slowly throughout the day. Some types of chaeto that I've seen grow much better like this.
     
    dweakl01, Apr 22, 2011
    dweakl01, Apr 22, 2011
    #2
  3. VitalApparatuz

    VitalApparatuz Feather Duster

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    dweakl01 love the avatar!

    Ricky the s*** winds are blowin!!
     
    VitalApparatuz, Apr 22, 2011
    VitalApparatuz, Apr 22, 2011
    #3
    1 person likes this.
  4. Vinnyboombatz

    Vinnyboombatz Giant Squid

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    There probably isn't enough nutrients to support it. I have the same thing in my 90. It won't grow at all but that is actually a good thing.8)
     
    Vinnyboombatz, Apr 22, 2011
    Vinnyboombatz, Apr 22, 2011
    #4
  5. m2434

    m2434 Giant Squid

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    +1 if it won't grow, your probably not doing anything wrong. probably doing something right.

    You can try doing iron or potassium nitrate if you think you have nutrients. They have resonable prices here:
    <head> <title>Macro Algae : Your Source For Quality Marine Plants and Macroalgae

    However, you can probably also just accept that your system doesn't need macro and be happy ;D
     
    m2434, Apr 22, 2011
    m2434, Apr 22, 2011
    #5
  6. johnc101

    johnc101 Feather Duster

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    thanks, for the info, Im feeling better now
     
    johnc101, Apr 22, 2011
    johnc101, Apr 22, 2011
    #6

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  7. dweakl01

    dweakl01 Astrea Snail

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    Small amount of Iron may help it, as well.
     
    dweakl01, Apr 22, 2011
    dweakl01, Apr 22, 2011
    #7
  8. Marie0912

    Marie0912 Fire Shrimp

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    That makes me feel better, I bought a baseball size clump 6 months ago and it have not grow at all, I was wondering what was I doing wrong.
     
    Marie0912, Apr 22, 2011
    Marie0912, Apr 22, 2011
    #8
  9. Cincyreefgrl

    Cincyreefgrl Plankton

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    I use Eco system miracle mud in my fuge and growth has never been a issue also check the temp of the tank should be a cool 78-80 and should never fluctuate co2 reactor also never hurts
     
    Cincyreefgrl, Apr 26, 2011
    Cincyreefgrl, Apr 26, 2011
    #9
  10. m2434

    m2434 Giant Squid

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    Hi Cincyreefgrl,

    Sorry, but I'd have to disagree with you on most of your points :p

    Welcome to 3reef though! :)

    I do sort of agree on this one. Miracle mud should work however, it is more or less like dosing nitrate and iron. It is just substrate with added nutrients. Dosing nitrate and iron though would be more controlled.

    Some macro algae are sensitive to temp, however Chaetomorpha isn't particularly. It's fairly happy in a wide range of temperatures from about 76-86 degrees F.

    Yes, in a saltwater tank, it does, CO2 drops pH and reduces calcification in stony corals and coralline algae.
     
    m2434, Apr 26, 2011
    m2434, Apr 26, 2011
    #10
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