Does More Cheato Equal More Nutrient Export?

[a6walter1]

I have had a theory for quite some time that I cant seem to find an answer for...

If I have a ball of chaeto the size of a softball and a ball of chaeto the size of a watermelon, assuming same water conditions/lighting/etc... Will the larger ball of chaeto consume more PO4/NO3?

The reason I ask is because I have been running GFO for PO4 "export", but it is quite expensive, and I can justify building an external refugium, if my theory is correct about chaeto's nutrient consumption.

Any thought are appreciated!!!!

 

[twilliard]

The uptake of no3 and po4 is dependant on the photosynthesis of the algae. I can see where adding or having a larger mass would call for this given there is enough light to support the photosynthesis.

 

[a6walter1]

That was my hypothesis. As long as there are enough nutrients and enough light for the chaeto to grow, then more chaeto will uptake more nutrients. I was hoping Randy might be able to chime in on this. I cannot seem to access the document he refers to in his phosphate article.

 

[Rjramos]

A run a large isolated refugium on my 120 gal, it is packed with chaeto that is frequently in need of harvest. The light is on 24/7. No nitrates or phosphates, no GFO or other means of media. The refugium gravity feeds into another sump below it that contains the main pump.

 

[wpeterson]

Provided you have lots of light and lots of flow for the chaeto, the absolute growth is likely a function of the size of the mass of chaeto. I would guess there's a fixed relative growth rate of the chaeto, but that it's X% of the current mass so having a larger initial colony will allow more chaeto to grow from it, sequestering more nutrients.

ie: if you have a small ball of chaeto and a much larger mass and they both double (or otherwise grow at the same relative rate), then the larger one will produce a larger new mass of chaeto and use more nutrients to do so.

 

[Karmann]

A run a large isolated refugium on my 120 gal, it is packed with chaeto that is frequently in need of harvest. The light is on 24/7. No nitrates or phosphates, no GFO or other means of media. The refugium gravity feeds into another sump below it that contains the main pump.

Very interesting, is that egg crate suspended or just setting on top of what appears to be sand? And what type of light you are running?

 

[Rjramos]

Very interesting, is that egg crate suspended or just setting on top of what appears to be sand? And what type of light you are running?

This one is being held up by suction cups. I have also cut the eggcrate to fit snug without using anything to hold it up. Some people have used magnets. Been using miracle mud for years without any draw backs. I change 50%/ year. This is lit by 2- 65w PC's. I've been wanting to try LED's to avoid having to change out bulbs and less heat, but haven't tried to compare. I started a thread on DIY entitled eggcrate sandwich idea if you are interested.[emoji4]

 

[Karmann]

This one is being held up by suction cups. I have also cut the eggcrate to fit snug without using anything to hold it up. Some people have used magnets. Been using miracle mud for years without any draw backs. I change 50%/ year. This is lit by 2- 65w PC's. I've been wanting to try LED's to avoid having to change out bulbs and less heat, but haven't tried to compare. I started a thread on DIY entitled eggcrate sandwich idea if you are interested.[emoji4]

Very good info thank you, I will look up your diy post.

 

[Rjramos]

Chaeto egg crate sandwich idea.
https://www.reef2reef.com/index.php?threads/Chaeto-egg-crate-sandwich-idea..144659/
Here is the link.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I agree that more than likely the larger ball is growing more mass per day, so taking up more nutrients.

 

[a6walter1]

Thanks Randy! With the money i hope to make at an upcoming swap, I may just build a nice external fuge so i can grow more chaeto + other fun macro algaes.

 

[john.m.cole3]

check out this guy's display refugium
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/chronzze-macro-lagoon-120g.256644/#post-3175297