Chaeto

[minkin]

So I've been looking into using this to lower my nitrates a little.

Can anyone tell me how it works?

Where I put it in my tank?

Do I have to do anything to it?

 

[saltcreep1025]

As it grows it uses up nitrates in the water and when you trim it, you are removing the nitrates from the tank. Most people put it in a their sump or refugeum as its quick growth can be a nuisance in the display tank. All you have to do is give it light and sit back while it grows, trimming along the way. Most people choose to use a reverse light cycle as the display tank to help keep ph frpm dropping at night.

 

[TheTodd]

While we're on the topic...I've never used it, but was recently thinking of adding it. How much light does it need? I've got an acrylic tank with the built-in chambers in the back. I was thinking of throwing some in the first chamber and just getting a little LED for light. Would that work?

 

[Daniel Fishy]

That should be fine with the LEDs , in the sump a clip on light fixture with a 6500 k pigtail bulb. I run mine from7 am to 10 or. 11pm. Works great if you have the room in the sump put a couple of rocks and some mangrove seeds in between the rocks for more filtration. Pull a piece off when it's to large and give it to a fellow reefer!

 

[minkin]

I've got a couple of questions.

I've got an all in one 30g tank. So I have 4 small chambers in the back of my tank.

Could I put it in one of my chambers?

How many hours of light per day does the chaeto need?

Will I need to attach it to something? Will it float or sink?

 

[Daniel Fishy]

As long as the chamber is not ripping current just because little piece can break off and clog up a impeller or such. I run about 14-16 hrs of light some go 24/7 at least 12 IMO.anddddd

 

[Daniel Fishy]

Floats and sink I seen both. As long as the current is not ripping it should stay put.

 

[minkin]

Could I get an in tank refugium and put the cheato in there?

 

[Daniel Fishy]

Sure can!

 

[minkin]

And what is the cheapest light I can get for it to grow?

 

[Daniel Fishy]

In tank fuge can have a light option which will look nicer than a hang on shop light. Maybe your display tank light might be enough for it.

 

[Gregcoyote]

Bundle it with a piece of thread, it will help keep it planted where you want it. Almost any light will do. Cheap reflector and fluorescent bulb works fine.

 

[minkin]

What do you meen bundle it with a piece of thread??

Do you meen attach it to something?

 

[Gregcoyote]

I try to keep it from getting to unruly and so I tie it up in the middle like a bundle of twigs. Then use a lettuce clip to hold in place.

 

[Hardridge]

I was thking of mangroves in bk of tank with cheato around stalks letting grow out of top. Has anyone done this before