chato lighting

droberts · Oct 23, 2009

i have had chato in my sump for 2 monts now and it seems to grow slow. what is the correct light schedule for chato? 12 on 12 off? always on? its doing its job reducing the levels in my 125.

princesuhaib · Oct 23, 2009

Hey I keep mine on 24hrs a day, I am using a 100w swirly bulb that you get from home depot and it is 5,700k i believe. I started with a softball size a month and a half ago and now I have probably 8 softball size. If you need some I live in Wadsworth so let me know if u want to swing by and get some!

reefer357 · Oct 23, 2009

I think depends what K rating you light bulb is. As stated in the post above 5700 k is optimal. I only run mine for when my other lights are turned off usually from about 11:00 to 11:00. You can keep it on all day but then you will probably get more growth then you want to.

droberts · Oct 23, 2009

i just have a coallife 50/50 screw in bulb i bought from my lfs and naturaly they told me it would work for my chato and i do keep it on 24/7

princesuhaib · Oct 23, 2009

ya u really need to put a better light on there, I paid Total of like $9 for bulb and clamp fixture

lkjr409 · Oct 23, 2009

under counter florescent light from Lowes...$18...I think it was 13 or 18 watts..

Portfolio at Lowe's: 13" Utility Flourescent Under Cabinet Fixture

I have it over an old skilter filter (without the skimmer running) and it runs 12 hr on a reverse cycle to my tank lights. I have to throw out chaeto about once every two months.

Reef Monkey · Oct 23, 2009

Check out this page on melev's website, this is probably what I'll use when I set my refugium up.

Melevsreef.com - Refugium Bulb

dnov99 · Oct 24, 2009

+1 on the bulb from Melevsreef, I use it and it works great.

kelleyga36 · Oct 24, 2009

I use one of those compact florescent bulbs 5700k $3.50 at home depot.I remove over a gallon of cheato every month.It took it a little while to get going,now it grows almost out of control.I run mine 24/7.

AZDesertRat · Oct 24, 2009

Chaetomorpha likes light in the 5500-6500 range for best growth.
I light mine opposite the display tank lighting so it helps stabilize the pH in the system. I use a 6500k spiral fluorescent like Melev pictured in a clamp on reflector from Lowes.