Chaeto Trimming and Nitrates

[Uncle99]

It’s really hard to zero out nitrate.
Are you sure your test results are accurate?
Do your corals look dull with lousy polyp extension?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Old thread I know, but I'm having a problem keeping nitrates with my Chaeto. Trimmed or left to fill the chamber doesn't seem to make much difference, it always bottoms out my N03.

I've got the photoperiod down to 6hrs which I believe I read somewhere is the minimum. Should I adjust the photoperiod lower to get nitrates to raise?

Feed more, reduce photoperiod more, reduce intensity with a screen or lower wattage bulb, or dose nitrate.

 

[Nicksreef2022]

Feed more, reduce photoperiod more, reduce intensity with a screen or lower wattage bulb, or dose nitrate.

Will the Chaeto die if it gets less than 6 hrs of photo period ?

 

[exnisstech]

Will the Chaeto die if it gets less than 6 hrs of photo period ?

Growth may slow but I don't think it will die. I left some in a bucket for two weeks once when I forgot about it. No light or water and it still looked healthy when I tossed it.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Will the Chaeto die if it gets less than 6 hrs of photo period ?

I don't think so. (well, 1 second is less than 6 h, and that would likely kill it lol )