Chaeto finally growing!!!

[Hilltopreef90]

I switched my light and took some suggestions and my chaeto is definitely growing, at what point do I start removing some ? I’m afraid to remove too much and then it stop growing for some reason.
I have it in a basket inside my sump and the basket is full now, I started with a softball size from algae barn

 

[Koh23]

I'd rather remove smaller amount but more often..... It all depends of size and available room to grow....

 

[Hilltopreef90]

How long does it usually take to start seeing a drop in nitrates and phosphates?

 

[MichaelP]

I would start by taking a 1/3 of it out and then waiting for it to grow back. It also usually grows better if when you pull it out you spread out the remaining 2/3 that way it has more room to grow vs being in a dense ball

 

[Warpigdave]

What did you do? I bought some and it slowly shrank. I'm using this light, set reds up high.

 

[AlgaeBarn]

How long does it usually take to start seeing a drop in nitrates and phosphates?

Thanks for the support! It's a little different for everyone depending on what your starting nutrient levels are and the amount of chaeto you start with. I would test your nutrients now (after your first/next pruning) and in maybe 3-4 days then a week to see if you can get an idea of your consumption rate for your chaeto. For your first harvest I liek what @MichaelP suggested with the 1/3 removal.