Can't Grow Chaeto

[Jmunk]

First time refugium user since I moved houses and now have the "new" tank, but just can't grow anything in the fuge. I tried one cluster from algaebarn in the beginning that just over time kinda disintegrated. Figured (although PO4 is near 1 now and Nitrate is around 25), the tank was too "new". So now about 4-5 months later, with those nutrient numbers, I got another batch from algaebarn. This one came with sea lettuce and another macro - once again I feel like it's just starting to wither away.

Here's the light I'm using. Running 17 hours a day, inverse of tank lights. I don't have a powerhead in the sump, and instinctively I feel like it's not getting enough flow since it's stagnant, but a lot of people on the forums here are saying they grow great chaeto without any powerhead or movement, so I'm not sure. Ayy advice?

 

[Goaway]

I only had problems with my chaeto when phosphates dropped below .1
I grow both grape caulerpa and chaeto. Do you have any fish at all?

 

[Jmunk]

I only had problems with my chaeto when phosphates dropped below .1
I grow both grape caulerpa and chaeto. Do you have any fish at all?

Yeah, well like I said, PO4 is about 1 (not .1), and nitrates are 25. Oh yeah, five fish, so I definitely don't think a lack of nutrients is the reason why it's not doing well.

 

[N.Sreefer]

Theres diff species of chaeto some are easier to grow than others.

An Overview of the Green Alga Chaetomorpha

The typical purpose of a refugium is to cultivate a thick bed of macroalgae. While some refugium plants like chaetomorpha provide important habitat for

www.algaebarn.com

 

[Jmunk]

Well that chaeto that I've gotten both times is actually from algaebarn, so I'm pretty confident that I at least got the best stuff that would give me the chance to grow it well.

 

[Goaway]

If it's from algae barn. I would think it would be an easy to grow species.

Edit: did the other algae survive?

 

[Jmunk]

If it's from algae barn. I would think it would be an easy to grow species.

Edit: did the other algae survive?

Exactly. By other algae, do you mean the other two types that came in this second try, or the first try? The first try a few months ago was just chaeto, it died. The sea lettuce and red orgo in this second try are doing "fine?" I'm not really sure how to judge their health. They're mostly floating at the top of the water, but I don't think I've noticed any significant reduction in volume from them, so.

 

[Goaway]

do you mean the other two types that came in this second try

Yes. If the other 2 algae are doing well, I have no explanation on why the chaeto melted. Things take time to settle in before you see growth. I never used those red lights to grow chaeto. Just a 65w bulb with 4.2k - 5.5k kelvin rating.

 

[PatW]

Bulk Reef Supply has a numb

 

[Jmunk]

Bulk Reef Supply has a numb

? I'm aware lol