Chaeto Algae

[SFMMcoasters]

Hello, For those of you using Chaeto Aglae- How do you keep it contained? Whenever I put it in my sump it just breaks apart into hundreds of hairs and flows away to the next sump chamber, then into the pump. Do you put it in a media bag? Lodge it between rocks?

 

[Questin]

Hmm, sounds like you have it in a pretty high flow area maybe? Mine just sticks together pretty well, no need to do anything because it is one solid clump.

 

[SFMMcoasters]

Hmm, yea. I have 600 GPH going through a 20 gallon sump...

 

[Garlicman2006]

IMO, just need to let it grow. Slow down the flow and throw a rock on it. In a week it should look like a big fishing line mess, then you can increase the flow again.

 

[pjf]

Here is a picture of the chaetomorpha in my simple 29-gallon sump:

The current flows under the first baffle to suspend the chaetomorpha. A mesh tank divider keeps the chaetomorpha from being swept into the return compartment by the ~900gph current. The current holds the tank divider in place against the next baffle. I've used tank dividers manufactured by Lee's and by Penn Plax.

The chaetomorpha tends to stay in one clump and is quite durable. The chaetomorpha and tank divider act as mechanical filters. Every other weekend, I wash the tank divider and rinse the chaetomorpha. I use freshwater to rinse the chaetomorpha and I keep the chaetomorpha in freshwater while I change the water. The cold but filtered freshwater doesn't seem to bother it. The next time I wash the chaetomorpha, I plan to try regular chlorinated tap water.

 

[mpdharley]

Your fuge should have a much slower rate. The slower rate gives the chaet more time to absorb the nutrients. The slower rate will also the chaet to stay together