Macro Algae/Refugium?

[Gonzo74]

I have been running a fuge for about 6 months now. It has helped with stabilizing my PH due to my reverse photo period. At first it helped lower Phosphates and Nitrates, but now, it does not.
I have only been taking a little out at a time for export.

1) how often should I throw some away?
2) should I be buying new chaeto to replace old?
3) how much is a good amount? It grows fast and gets really really thick. Should I only keep enough to float on top?

Any advice is greatly appreciated?

 

[Brew12]

I have been running a fuge for about 6 months now. It has helped with stabilizing my PH due to my reverse photo period. At first it helped lower Phosphates and Nitrates, but now, it does not.
I have only been taking a little out at a time for export.

1) how often should I throw some away?
2) should I be buying new chaeto to replace old?
3) how much is a good amount? It grows fast and gets really really thick. Should I only keep enough to float on top?

Any advice is greatly appreciated?

If it is starting to get tightly packed I would take around 1/2 of it out. How often really depends on how fast it fills in.

 

[Gonzo74]

If it is starting to get tightly packed I would take around 1/2 of it out. How often really depends on how fast it fills in.

Thanks! Yeah, it’s very tight.

is there a better macro to use? Is one better than the next?

Also, I see lots of detritus stuck in it, am I supposed to rinse it out weekly or something?

 

[Brew12]

Thanks! Yeah, it’s very tight.

is there a better macro to use? Is one better than the next?

Also, I see lots of detritus stuck in it, am I supposed to rinse it out weekly or something?

Its what I use and I like it. I never rinse mine out but I do run filter socks and also have a lot of pods and other critters in my sump.

Maybe pulling half out and pulling it apart a little will help the crud flow through instead of getting stuck.

 

[Auquanut]

Also, I see lots of detritus stuck in it, am I supposed to rinse it out weekly or something?

When I flip mine every few days, I kind of swish it around and break it up. The corals go crazy for the c**p that finds it's way into the DT.