Cheato in the sump?

[FutureBoyGenius]

I am trying to solve a nitrate problem that I am told is the side effect from using bioballs in the sump.

From what I know cheato is a macroalgea? Would I need a refugium for that or just a light source over the cheato? Also, what are the other alternatives instead of chaeto in the sump for biological filtration?

 

[dartmti]

I've heard of people using LR rubble in a sump for extra biological filtration.

Matt

 

[smalls383]

I have a fuge with no rock or rubble or sand.....just a large amount of chaeto and it works GREAT!!! Trates went from about 20/30 to 0 in about 2 weeks as the ball grew (and grew and grew) and have been at zero ever since.......

Try to see if you can find a area in your sump that can you can grow it and not get it sucked into a pump or anything.....

 

[jthao]

chaeto is great.... adding more lr helps too.

 

[Tswifty]

As stated above you don't necessarily need a substrate underneath the cheato. Especially if it will just be for nitrate/phosphate removal. Adequate flow and a light source is all you will need. However, adding some type of substrate whether it be LR rubble or sand would also be beneficial.

Here's the lights I use above my refugium:

 

[fishnut__2]

sump

sump

i use sand, lr rubble, chaeto, red macro(i think dragons tongue) and some leftover calepra. cant seem to ever completely get it out.

keeps tank healthy, nitrates down, extra bio. esp. if your tank doesn't have alot of lr in i.........

 

[fishnut__2]

light

light

oops i forgot i use same fixture, but use a cf light from home depot with a cr of 6500k. cant remember brand just read alot of labels and found it. runs with a cheap timer, opposite daytime lights.