Chaeo growth?

pumpdogs · 03/12/2007, 08:18 AM

I started a 50 gal refugium last week using 2 75 watt power compact bulbs from home depot.I have not seen any growth yet.How long does it normally take to start growing?

Tang Salad · 03/12/2007, 08:30 AM

It could take a few weeks to 'get settled'. After that, its growth speed will depend on how much nutrient you have in your system's water.

pumpdogs · 03/12/2007, 09:10 AM

I must have plenty of nutrients because the hair alage does not have a problem growing.

HowardW · 03/12/2007, 09:36 AM

What kind of PC bulbs did you use? Most say their chaeto grows best with lights in the 5000K to 6700K range.

fras · 03/12/2007, 10:20 AM

I have to agree with the above poster, I initially tried my chaeto under a white light & it didn't grow well. Now I use 1x 6k yellow and 1x triphosphor freshwater bulb and it grows like crazy.

pumpdogs · 03/12/2007, 10:27 AM

The bulbs are 5500 k.

Tang Salad · 03/12/2007, 10:58 AM

It'll grow. Just give it a little time.

davidryder · 03/12/2007, 11:29 AM

You didn't make it clear if you had a sample of chaeto to start with. It won't manifest itself in your tank like other algaes.

Tang Salad · 03/12/2007, 11:34 AM

Good point.
Chaeto rarely materializes out of nowhere.

pumpdogs · 03/13/2007, 08:57 AM

Yes, I got some off a fellow reefer.Will Iron help it grow?

Tang Salad · 03/13/2007, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by pumpdogs
Will Iron help it grow?

Only if your tank is currently lacking in iron.

Frick-n-Frags · 03/13/2007, 09:40 AM

yeah, don't worry about iron until you have handfuls of it growing rampantly.

iron deficiency is when the chaeto gets really light greenish-yellow, but is still growing. nutrient poor is when the chaeto turns yellow/clear/gets microalgae on it/falls apart.

I am currently severely reducing my dying chaeto wad.
It is out of nutrients and it has to go before it breaks down. this wad has been growing rampantly for years, but I have recently improved my maintenance routine, and I'm now seeing the effects. so out with it.....(except a couple dark green chunks of it which I will keep)

03/12/2007, 08:18 AM	#1
pumpdogs Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Posts: 735	Chaeo growth? I started a 50 gal refugium last week using 2 75 watt power compact bulbs from home depot.I have not seen any growth yet.How long does it normally take to start growing?

03/12/2007, 08:30 AM	#2
Tang Salad Algae skeptic Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: 78702 Posts: 3,098	It could take a few weeks to 'get settled'. After that, its growth speed will depend on how much nutrient you have in your system's water. __________________ Your algae is not special. Current Tank Info: TBD ADA 120-P SPS NLPS

03/12/2007, 09:36 AM	#4
HowardW Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Aurora, IL Posts: 1,763	What kind of PC bulbs did you use? Most say their chaeto grows best with lights in the 5000K to 6700K range. __________________ Florida live rock addict

03/12/2007, 10:58 AM	#7
Tang Salad Algae skeptic Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: 78702 Posts: 3,098	It'll grow. Just give it a little time. __________________ Your algae is not special. Current Tank Info: TBD ADA 120-P SPS NLPS

03/12/2007, 11:29 AM	#8
davidryder Claris or Elliot? Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Nightopia Posts: 2,750	You didn't make it clear if you had a sample of chaeto to start with. It won't manifest itself in your tank like other algaes. __________________ A rolling stone gathers no moss... Current Tank Info: 90g mixed reef, corner overflow (Mag 9.5), 25g refugium (Mag 5), 15g refugium, Orbit 260w pc, Pan World 50PX-X (Closed loop), AquaC EV-120 (now skimmerless)

03/12/2007, 09:10 AM	#3
pumpdogs Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Posts: 735	I must have plenty of nutrients because the hair alage does not have a problem growing.

03/12/2007, 10:20 AM	#5
fras Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 124	I have to agree with the above poster, I initially tried my chaeto under a white light & it didn't grow well. Now I use 1x 6k yellow and 1x triphosphor freshwater bulb and it grows like crazy.

03/12/2007, 10:27 AM	#6
pumpdogs Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Posts: 735	The bulbs are 5500 k.

03/12/2007, 11:34 AM	#9
Tang Salad Algae skeptic Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: 78702 Posts: 3,098	Good point. Chaeto rarely materializes out of nowhere. __________________ Your algae is not special. Current Tank Info: TBD ADA 120-P SPS NLPS

03/13/2007, 08:57 AM	#10
pumpdogs Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Posts: 735	Yes, I got some off a fellow reefer.Will Iron help it grow?

03/13/2007, 09:40 AM	#12
Frick-n-Frags Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: north central OH Posts: 10,740	yeah, don't worry about iron until you have handfuls of it growing rampantly. iron deficiency is when the chaeto gets really light greenish-yellow, but is still growing. nutrient poor is when the chaeto turns yellow/clear/gets microalgae on it/falls apart. I am currently severely reducing my dying chaeto wad. It is out of nutrients and it has to go before it breaks down. this wad has been growing rampantly for years, but I have recently improved my maintenance routine, and I'm now seeing the effects. so out with it.....(except a couple dark green chunks of it which I will keep) __________________ Only Dead fish swim with the current. Current Tank Info: 2 50 gal tanks, sump, still BB