Chaeto too efficient???
- Thread starter Ucantwin
- Start date
madkeenreefer
New member
Thats a good observation and correct also. The cheto will indeed remove more then desired if not properly controled. A smaller cheto ball might be a better option for you, dont let it get to big and cut offten.
Unless you are doing organic carbon, you still have nitrate in the system. Chaeto cannot take it all away. Also, if you have a sand bed or ocean-based live rock (really porous), it will eventually get to where it can also keep nitrate near zero without any help. This is not a bad thing. I like to be "clear" on salifert, but this is about .2 or .3 on my new hannah low N test kit which is a good spot to be in - enough for the SPS to grow, but not too much.
I've read that chaeto doesn't actually do much.
Please see this link-Randy's posts are always awesome: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1779237
In regards to how much nutrients chaeto actually helps export, Randy said "A very small amount, or any that isn't growing well is not very useful."
I agree with Randy here. I have found that chaeto is much more trouble than it's worth. Unless you are running a pax-bellum ARID. Even then, I am not convinced.
Please see this link-Randy's posts are always awesome: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1779237
In regards to how much nutrients chaeto actually helps export, Randy said "A very small amount, or any that isn't growing well is not very useful."
I agree with Randy here. I have found that chaeto is much more trouble than it's worth. Unless you are running a pax-bellum ARID. Even then, I am not convinced.
timnem70
New member
I dont entirely disagree but keep in mind that although basic physics do not change the thread above is 7 years old and we have learned a lot about the effectiveness of Macro in addition to other methods in an aquarium at removing and or retaining nutrients since then. That's why harvesting is so important, You're exporting the bad stuff locked in the Macro. I use this analogy(although there is disagreement and some say a "wives tale"). When you cut your hair or shave the stubble grows back thicker and healthier, same with plants. Trimming helps strengthen and fortify the rest of the plant. You are right about the fact that it only does so much though and good husbandry and in all the other areas of filtration is super important as well.
Thanks everyone. If this is wrong, please tell me.
Galaxy S7 Edge
Thanks everyone. If this is wrong, please tell me.
Galaxy S7 Edge
People knew more about macros before bio-pellets and GFO... it was all that we had along with water changes to keep the nutrients low. Like most of the old-timers, they don't need any help and don't like to argue with the experts that have had a biocube for three months and know it all, so they rarely post.
Chaeto can be quite effective, but you need to use it in conjunction with water changes. It will use up all of the iron and stop growing, especially when it gets big. Water changes will replenish the iron and other trace elements. You can dose iron, too. You also need to prune it back and keep the ball loose so that it keeps growing.
Most people just never export it from their tank. They keep it in there, then it dies back and lets the nutrients back in.
When I have seen it not work well, the fuge was too small, people never changed water and they never trimmed their chaeto. You cannot just ignore it... it requires work too.
Chaeto can be quite effective, but you need to use it in conjunction with water changes. It will use up all of the iron and stop growing, especially when it gets big. Water changes will replenish the iron and other trace elements. You can dose iron, too. You also need to prune it back and keep the ball loose so that it keeps growing.
Most people just never export it from their tank. They keep it in there, then it dies back and lets the nutrients back in.
When I have seen it not work well, the fuge was too small, people never changed water and they never trimmed their chaeto. You cannot just ignore it... it requires work too.
Chaeto is EXTREMELY efficient for me. If I leave my grow light on 24 hrs for a couple days, my nitrate will go from 5ppm to undetectable with salifert. That's why I made this thread asking if it could be too efficient. It will grow from a softball size to a watermelon size in about a week.
timnem70
New member
That means is getting fed the nitrates. Awesome. Mine grows quickly too.
Galaxy S7 Edge
