Chaeto not Forming a Ball?

[Kasey Grohowski]

Just put my clean Chaeto from algaebarn into my sump's refugium. It didn't form a ball and kind of falling apart. It's in my middle chamber and is getting flow. It's stuck to my egg crate before the return section. I got 1 ounce.

 

[Bryson.bobby]

It sounds like it might be dying. Any pics?

 

[Kasey Grohowski]

It sounds like it might be dying. Any pics?

 

[Bryson.bobby]

Mine did that when my tank was newer. I ended up having to buy new chaeto once my tank matured a little

 

[Kasey Grohowski]

Mine did that when my tank was newer. I ended up having to buy new chaeto once my tank matured a little

So it's dead?

 

[Bryson.bobby]

Possibly dying. How old is your tank?

 

[Kasey Grohowski]

Possibly dying. How old is your tank?

6 months, but there is nitrates and phosphates in there. I just put it in yesterday, along with my new sump. It was sitting in the jar for about 5 hours after I received it also.

 

[lactose]

So it's dead?

In my experience depending on flow etc. it might look like for a while until it starts to grow and build up mass (with only 1 oz start). I wouldn't say it is dying yet unless it starts to totally lose color or break into pieces.

Mine usually takes time when first introduced to adapt to lighting etc. My last tank started with a couple of golf ball bits, they expanded out and now I have a big chunk that is large shoe box sized sort of.

 

[Kasey Grohowski]

In my experience depending on flow etc. it might look like for a while until it starts to grow and build up mass (with only 1 oz start). I wouldn't say it is dying yet unless it starts to totally lose color or break into pieces.

Mine usually takes time when first introduced to adapt to lighting etc. My last tank started with a couple of golf ball bits, they expanded out and now I have a big chunk that is large shoe box sized sort of.

Did you acclimate your chaeto? I did not.

 

[Ruben's Reef]

Just put my clean Chaeto from algaebarn into my sump's refugium. It didn't form a ball and kind of falling apart. It's in my middle chamber and is getting flow. It's stuck to my egg crate before the return section. I got 1 ounce.

What type of light are using you for the chaeto?

 

[Kasey Grohowski]

What type of light are using you for the chaeto?

Innovative Marine Chaeto light

 

[Ruben's Reef]

Innovative Marine Chaeto light

that's exactly the one I'm using and I have a huge grow with that light.

 

[Kasey Grohowski]

that's exactly the one I'm using and I have a huge grow with that light.

Yeah I read they're good.

 

[Dancingmad]

I've grown chaeto into a matte from a single strand as long as my pinky. If you've got the nutrients you'll be good. I wouldn't expect a "ball" though unless you keep it pruned, and have some very specific flow.

My prediction is you're good

 

[Ruben's Reef]

Yeah I read they're good.

Yeah, I read the reviews and give it a try and it's a great light.

 

[Kasey Grohowski]

Anyone know what these tan/white colored specks are on the chaeto? I'm assuming it's copepods (I added them at the same time).

 

[Dancingmad]

Probably either tiny sponges or spirorbid worms. Nothing to be alarmed over in my opinion

 

[vetteguy53081]

None of mine in a ball , BUT. . . I also do add iron to keep it healthy

 

[Kasey Grohowski]

Probably either tiny sponges or spirorbid worms. Nothing to be alarmed over in my opinion

Yeah I got it from algaebarn, so I'm not really concerned.

 

[roberthu526]

Not all chaeto form a ball. Mine never did and mine grow like crazy. Between two tanks I throw out about 10 full gallon of chaeto every month. You chaeto seems to be doing just fine. You may see some initial die off but it will eventually start growing. From your pics the chaeto looks fine. Still has it’s green color so I wouldn’t worry much.