How much chaeto for a 55 gal.?

[Capt. Nemo]

How much chaeto would I need for my 55 gal. FOWLR to effectively reduce my nitrates? How large a space in my 10 gal. sump would I need to dedicate to holding the macro algae? I've been debating using what limited space I have in my sump for chaeto since most of the sump is used for skimmer and return pump or getting a Aquafuge hangon. Only concern I have with the hangon is potential flooding. Thanks to everyone for their advice and input.

Gary

 

[Limbo]

Do you have space above the sump to gravity feed a small fuge back into the sump?

 

[graveyardworm]

I think the way those hang-ons work the risk of flood is almost non existant, very similar to the way a normal hang on filter works.

 

[Capt. Nemo]

How would I gravity feed the fuge into the sump? Thanks.

 

[Limbo]

Place it above the sump, pump water into it from the sump and let it drain back into the sump. Just like your main and sump are operating now. If you got another 10G tank you'd need to bulkhead it, or you could go ghetto and use a small rubbermaid or other plastic container. You can add a second drain port for safety and locate the second port a little higher.

You could T off your main return or just add a mini pump to do the job.

Lots of options, depends on what space you have.

Of course, you could just use the existing sump