what is cheato?

[JJ21]

what is cheato? I've seen it mentioned lots of times in many other threads, but I don't know what it is. Pics and info would be nice

 

[graveyardworm]

The more common cheato is a green wirey macro algae.

Check the Algae slideshow for a picture.

 

[MrZ]

Chaetomorpha is just macro algae. It looks kind of like green spaghetti and people use it in their filtration schemes because it uses nitrates and phosphates as food, things that most folks are trying to limit in their reef tanks. As it grows it can be pruned back and discarded, removing the nitrates from the system. Here is a pic for ya-

 

[JJ21]

do you have to have a sump or a fuge to have it?

 

[MrZ]

You can put it in the display - but it typically isn't used ornamentaly. What I like about chaeto in particular is that it doesn't attach to rock or substrate like most macro algaes do. This makes it very easy to remove when a stray piece happens to get sucked up by return and makes its way into display. If you want the benefits of macro algae and you don't want to install a sump or refugium perhaps you might want to look into a hang on back refugium with light?

 

[JJ21]

idk i don't wanna spend more money on this tank than what it's worth. I thought i was getting a good all in one nano reef setup from instant ocean. What i got was an eclipse 12 that came with salt. You can imagine how ****ed i was. Had no way to know than to open the box and find out, and once you opened the box *BAM* whoops, srry , you can't return this. 200 bucks down the drain. I'll have to see if my uncle has a larger tank that i can have. I'll look into a small HOB refugium, but idk if it will work with the eclipse 12s stupid filter setup. Also i have no idea how to install a sump, nevermind what it is, or build a refugium. So i guess i'll check the HOB thing out

 

[Bill Boy]

cheato box?

cheato box?

I read somewhere "cheato box"... what's that??