Macro poll and question

[hypnoj]

I want to start this poll for all SPS reefers that have had their SPS dominant tank for > 2 years. Please don't respond unless you've had it at least 2 years successfully. If you do use macro, what type? Please feel free explain any pitfalls that you've had with and without having macro in your sump/refugium.

I'm starting this thread because I've had a hard time balancing Chaeto with my GFO. Too high and my macro dies and releases PO4 into my tank, too low and I get algae issues. Lend me your wisdom!

(Please feel free to list what Macro is your favorite)

 

[sirreal63]

I use Chaeto and have since about 2005. I also do not try and run ULNS but at times my tank has gone that direction and I have had to work at getting the nutrients back up. Honestly I could eliminate the Chaeto but it provides a nice place for pods to grow, I balance my nutrients with GFO and carbon dosing so I don't need it, but I still like to have it.

 

[Allmost]

when you can grow bacteria to take up nutritions, why grow algae ?

the corals arent going to eat that algae, but they would eat bacteria !

JMO.

 

[ct_vol]

I have Chaeto and Xenia in my refugium...

 

[stevedola]

If I had the space I would have a fuge with cheato but not enough room for me. Its a great way to add beneficial organism, help o2 levels, and give a small help to removing organics.

 

[jroovers]

I had chaeto but ever since going to BP's haven't seen the point. I've removed my DSB in my fuge and long since gotten rid of my chaeto. Weekly water changes, strong skimming, and BP's. Currently my rowaphos is offline... I'm going to put a small amount back online, but right now 0 ppm phosphates on Hanna Checker. If anything maybe I need a touch more waste.

 

[psykobowler]

The problem might be your lighting rather than ulns. Most people recommend using a cfl to save electricity but IMO the chaeto does better with intense light. I did use cfl, power compact but I find using a halide bulb to be the best. Our display tanks are bombarded with intense light but we skimp out on the fuge light. If you want the chaeto to out compete the algae above, then the chaeto deserves better light. I use a 250 watt Phoenix bulb and I harvest a bucket every 2 weeks and my system runs with vodka AND brightwells xpo4. I dose fergon to the chaeto.