Chaeto

Charlie G · Feb 27, 2023

Hi. I purchased and received chaeto (golf ball size) from algae barn last week. This is for my Biocube 32 g (placed in the second chamber). At the same time I ordered a kessil h80 which I intended to use but was not shipped with the chaeto. I just set it up now. I was using a standard light bulb for the time being.
I noticed that the chaeto is turning white. There is some green chaeto still in there.

Not sure if I should just remove the Chaeto or there is still a chance for it to survive and grow with the new light.

I am new to this. I would appreciate any thoughts/advice.

Thanks.

shakacuz · Feb 27, 2023

how new is the tank? any fish in it? how much do you feed? how often?

you may be low on the micro nutrients(manganese, iron, etc) which is causing the chaeto to turn white even with a light over it.

Charlie G · Feb 27, 2023

The tank is over a year old. Have 2 clowns and a royal gramma and only a few coral. I have had gha for several months with nitrate steadily at around 6-7 and phosphate o.24-0.26. I do a 15% water change every week
I just started with Chaeto last week but because I have been away the light (a standard bulb) was running about 3 hours a night. I didn’t feel comfortable running while asleep as it was right between my wall and the back of the tank. I have been waiting for my H80 to arrive which I was able to install tonight.
I honestly have been giving it very little light.

Pistondog · Feb 27, 2023

Hard to give chaeto too much light.
Raise to surface to maximize par with your h80

Charlie G · Feb 27, 2023

Yeah. I don’t think I gave enough. I have the light shining on the back of the tank as it’s a Biocube. Now that I have the h80 I will set on grow and increase intensity.

Just wondering if some of half the Chaeto is white and the other half still green is it a loss or has the potential to come back??

I don’t want to release more nitrate and phosphate into the tank.

Pistondog · Feb 27, 2023

Any green should grow

Charlie G · Feb 27, 2023

Pistondog said:
Any green should grow

Ok. Thanks. Will give it a try. Hopefully makes a turn around.
Appreciate it.

olonmv · Feb 27, 2023

Supplementing Manganese really makes cheato take off like crazy.

Charlie G · Feb 27, 2023

What product would you recommend?

I heard a video mention brightwells Chaeto grow.

42Freeman · Feb 27, 2023

Charlie G said:
Hi. I purchased and received chaeto (golf ball size) from algae barn last week. This is for my Biocube 32 g (placed in the second chamber). At the same time I ordered a kessil h80 which I intended to use but was not shipped with the chaeto. I just set it up now. I was using a standard light bulb for the time being.
I noticed that the chaeto is turning white. There is some green chaeto still in there.

Not sure if I should just remove the Chaeto or there is still a chance for it to survive and grow with the new light.

I am new to this. I would appreciate any thoughts/advice.

Thanks.

When did you purchase? i've been trying to get some from them and it is always sold out

Charlie G · Feb 27, 2023

Same here. Just last week.

olonmv · Feb 27, 2023

Charlie G said:
What product would you recommend?

I heard a video mention brightwells Chaeto grow.

I diy’ed some with this….
Manganese Sulfate Monohydrate - 32% Mn - 1 Pound https://a.co/d/0QQuqcm

Made a stock solution of 1L following this thread:https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/need-help-figuring-out-diy-manganese.824791/#post-11001117

olonmv · Feb 27, 2023

Didn’t know cheato was in such high demand. I just tossed about a 10” ball of the stuff last night.

42Freeman · Feb 27, 2023

Charlie G said:
Same here. Just last week.

Gotcha, is there a time when they release more or just signed up for emails and got lucky?

exnisstech · Feb 27, 2023

olonmv said:
Didn’t know cheato was in such high demand. I just tossed about a 10” ball of the stuff last night.

Same. I toss it over the hill when I have to pull some. Mine has so much life it in I don't harvest untill I have too. Even then I keep dipping and shaking trying to get the pods, micro brittle stars, and other creatures out before I toss it.

Charlie G · Feb 27, 2023

Signed up for emails. I also reached out to them on R2R. If I recall correctly they did say they update their website on Fridays.

42Freeman · Feb 27, 2023

Charlie G said:
Signed up for emails. I also reached out to them on R2R. If I recall correctly they did say they update their website on Fridays.

Awesome, thanks for the help brother!

Mr Fishface · Feb 27, 2023

When I had caulerpa prolifera, I started with a CFL bulb. I switched to a high powered LED and it bleached my algae. Turned white and I thought it died but it didn't. It went small and came back thicker than ever before and had crazy growth after that. It's possible it is adjusting to a new light source. Keep it going unless it 100% dies IMO.

Charlie G · Feb 28, 2023

42Freeman said:
Awesome, thanks for the help brother!

Anytime.

Charlie G · Feb 28, 2023

Mr Fishface said:
When I had caulerpa prolifera, I started with a CFL bulb. I switched to a high powered LED and it bleached my algae. Turned white and I thought it died but it didn't. It went small and came back thicker than ever before and had crazy growth after that. It's possible it is adjusting to a new light source. Keep it going unless it 100% dies IMO.

Thank you.

I guess I will try to keep it going. I appreciate the insight.