Chaeto Reactors?

[OceanJack]

Just looking to see if anyone are still using Chaeto Reactors in 2019?

I haven't found many posts after 2017 and lightly in 2018, just wanted to know if this was just a fad or do other reefers use this nutrient export method in 2019?

I have been thinking of starting it up again on my FOWLR, the tank is a little overstock and figured it couldn't hurt to have a little help with nitrates to be lowered with a more natural method.

Have tried it in the past and didn't have much luck, user error was more like it, I think?

Just wanted to know if anyone is still implementing this method? I was thinking of doing the ATS method but my sump is too small for that and this seems like a perfect fit.

 

[JoshH]

I think it's more of a certain need for one rather than it being a fad. Most have the room for an ATS or a full blown fuge so the need for a reactor isn't there. I know of a few who are still running them today and one who has TBH the biggest one I've ever seen, or most have ever seen for that matter and he loves it.

If it fits your particular setup and needs than I would say don't worry about it and dive in.

 

[OceanJack]

I think I gave up on it last time because I couldn't get my Chaeto to grow and the reactor was leaking, I figured I would give it a shot again. I really don't want to carbon dose and figured I could try this, just ordered some Chaeto so we'll see!

 

[JoshH]

I think I gave up on it last time because I couldn't get my Chaeto to grow and the reactor was leaking, I figured I would give it a shot again. I really don't want to carbon dose and figured I could try this, just ordered some Chaeto so we'll see!

Having never owned one myself I can only speak from what I've read but it seems they are a little tricker to tune in to get growth but once you manage to do that it's hard to get it to stop. It seems to be about finding a good balance with the timing on the lights and your available nutrients.

 

[SPR1968]

Funnily enough I’ve just started experimenting with a refugium to grow some algae, not cheato but other types and edible for the tangs etc.

I think it’s still a valid method, but there are other ways of nutrient control these days such as carbon dosing, GFO, live rock etc and I employ many of these as well.

I just fancied having a go as I’ve been researching it for months.

 

[OceanJack]

I used to carbon dose with nopox but I hated the idea of constantly testing and dosing as needed...So I thought I would try to keep my nitrates at bay with this method.