Who uses Chaeto?

[grimlock3000]

I have some Chaeto in my AC300 fuge:

The light is a 15w 6500K daylight bulb angled over the AC300. The Chaeto is growing and I have already pruned it once after a few days. Now, the top of the Chaeto is turning slighty brown where the growth it happening. I measured it last night and again tonight and it is indeed still growing. Is this normal? Any tips to help my Chaeto along? When I got it, the entire ammount of macro was nice and green.

 

[c0mf0rt]

I've got some.... interested to hear if everyone else leaves their lights on 24/7

 

[grimlock3000]

I run the fuge light 14 hours a day btw, timed with my actinics.

 

[fualku]

I just got some a week ago and was running 24 hrs. I just cut back to 12 because i think it is unnecessary. My nitrates have went down 1/2. Another week and it will be zero. I have noticed the brown around the outside growth...i don't know if its normal though. anyone else notice this?

 

[phases99]

I run my lights on my fuge for 12 hrs opposite the tank. I have had my Chaeto for about 2 months and have not had to prune it yet. Appears to be growing, but slowly. If it is turning brown on the top it may be getting too much light.

 

[grimlock3000]

I raised the light a couple of inches in case I was overdoing it.

 

[JamesR]

i have some if my fuge. great stuff. lights on 14 hours opposite the main tank (on for 10). Seems to be doing great.

Jim

 

[austinsdad]

Chaeto is billed as a macro algae that doesn't need as much light as others. I agree with others, probably too much light. Cut back to less hrs than your main - maybe 8hrs or so to see if that helps?

Also Grimlock, I see you HOB fuge is situated like mine which prevents me from running the fuge lights opposite the main.

 

[grimlock3000]

I have the light raised now, so I will give it a few days. Before this, the end of the bulb was about an inch above the surface of the water, whoops. If nothing improves with the raised height, I will stick it on the daylight timer for 8 hours of light and go from there.

 

[nodoubt471]

i had the same problem using 24hr light- i cut back to 8, and it fixed it. i think it just got a little fried HTH