Is this Chaeto still alive or dead?

[accel]

I have a GFO and Chaeto Reactor with 3 Chromis, 1 Clownfish, and 3 Pajamas, 1 Firefish, two shrimps as well.

Phosphate levels are around 0 and 0.25ppm. It's hard to say 100 percent in that API colored chart. I am leaning towards 0 after reviewing the photos with the Phosphate test kit.

https://ibb.co/mmHLCH
https://ibb.co/iiep6c

According to this resource this is what a dead Chaeto is http://www.ultimatereef.net/threads/is-my-chaeto-dead.716392/

I kinda think mine is not dead yet but not doing great too. It's been like that for 2 weeks more or less.

 

[Dmorty217]

When it turns a light green to white it is dying or dead

 

[nereefpat]

Do you have measureable nitrate? Any algae problems in the display?

You may have to pick either the GFO or the chaeto.

 

[RobZilla04]

You may have to pick either the GFO or the chaeto.

This. You're gonna drop your P to a level that is too low which will cause competition and death of organisms that can't get enough.

If you don't have an algae problem (which I'm guessing you don't) then pull the GFO and just let the chaeto maintain current P levels.

 

[accel]

Do you have measureable nitrate? Any algae problems in the display?

You may have to pick either the GFO or the chaeto.

I'll have to measure that again to verify. Last time I did it looks like I'm with the normal levels. I had been definitely overfeeding.

The only algae I see are diatoms which should be common with new tanks on the sand and on the glass. I probably see "some" hair algae on the sides where the sand and glass meet but it's not something that you'd notice unless you really take a magnifying glass.

I also thought about that the Chaeto and GFO are competing. But I thought GFO is mainly for Phosphates? So they should only be competing at least for Phosphates

 

[accel]

This. You're gonna drop your P to a level that is too low which will cause competition and death of organisms that can't get enough.

If you don't have an algae problem (which I'm guessing you don't) then pull the GFO and just let the chaeto maintain current P levels.

You're probably right (same with nereefpat). Is there a better digital Phosphate test kit out there that you guys would recommend. I really hate this API kit when it comes to Phosphate testing. The visual difference in the chart isn't much and it depends also on the ambient lighting - colors tend to change unless the color difference is worlds apart.

 

[RobZilla04]

You're probably right (same with nereefpat). Is there a better digital Phosphate test kit out there that you guys would recommend. I really hate this API kit when it comes to Phosphate testing. The visual difference in the chart isn't much and it depends also on the ambient lighting - colors tend to change unless the color difference is worlds apart.

Hanna Instruments.

Red Sea is a color wheel but its much easier if you have low No3 & Po4.

 

[nereefpat]

Yes. There is an ultra low range hanna checker that people like. Before you buy, check here to make sure it's the right one.

 

[accel]

Thanks. I am considering the Hanna Checker the other day:

I am thinking of getting this package:
Hanna Instruments Checker Colorimeter Reef Kit (Phosphorus ULR, Calcium, Alkalinity & pH)

I wonder if this one has better range than the one included in the package above:
Hanna Instruments Checker Phosphate Colorimeter

 

[nereefpat]

You want the ULR phosphorus. The second link is not the one you want.

It looks like the package has the phosphate test that you want, but I wouldn't spend the money on the pH probe, and I just use cheaper kits for alk and Ca.

Get a second opinion on the phosphorus checker.