When to introduce macroaglae into my system?

I've read that the whole cycling process can take up 6 months to a year…. so when is it a good time to introduce the macroalgae into my fuge?

Im planning on using Cheato & red titan?

Im reading that introducing these can present a risk to my systems ph balance? how so? any articles on these topics would be greatly appreciated

 

I put mine in fairly early. I don't know about messing with ph balance as ph will fluctuate between day and night. Most people suggest running alternate day and night cycles between fuge and display to keep the ph level more balanced. Id say wait maybe a month till things are settled down in the tank a little.

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i have never noticed a ph issue that being sead dosent mean it dose not exist . but most macro we use in the hobby is for nitrate reduction and it will die off if there is not nitrates i waited till i got over 30ppm i still managed to have some die off it seems to grow back when i get over 10ppm i have always done the oposate lighting schedule as the display could be leading to no major ph swings

 

I added mine as soon as the nitrate portion of the cycle started.

I later switched to a ATS which killed off the macro's in my sump but the ones I have in DT are doing fine.

Yes running a oppposite light cycle helps keep things alot more stable.

 

ohhh a "reverse photocycle" down in the sump!

 

if you complete your cycle and you show 0 nitrates, i would wait unil you start testing nitrates before introducing macro algae. As stated above, it will die off without nitrates to feed on.

 

Yes, plus I agree with everything stated above. Make sure you get a 6500k light for your sump, the higher the watts the better, and a screw in CFL will work or you can go fancier. I run a Coralife Mini 2x6w T5 with 6500k bulbs that grows my chaeto just fine, but I had great results with a CFL aswell.

I added my chaeto early and encountered problems from inadequate light. The problems were resolved as soon as I switched to 6500k.

 

Is the titan for looks?

As a nutrient exporter it will do very little.

You'd be better off teaming a caulerpa with chaeto and a few mangroves.

 

I've read for mangroves to be considered an effective supplimental exporter you need to have quite a few as well. Like 1 per 5-7 gallons or something if memory serves. That is purely memory and dont quote me.

I have had better success with mangroves that already have a leaf or two at the top as well, btw.