Sump light

wtbuck12 · Apr 4, 2017

I am using a 36" led fixture from Lowes for my sump light. It looks like a regular old floresent light fixture. My problem is I can't get Cheato to grow, could that be my problem?

AllSignsPointToFish · Apr 4, 2017

What kind of bulbs do you have in it? What are your nitrate and phosphate levels?

wtbuck12 · Apr 4, 2017

I don't know, it is led and I don't have the paperwork, didn't keep it. I will need to check nitrate and phosphates this weekend, need to pickup new test kit.

AllSignsPointToFish · Apr 4, 2017

Ahhh, the LED may not be enough light. Also, if you have low nitrates and phosphates, the Chaeto will not grow quickly if at all.

wtbuck12 · Apr 4, 2017

Ok i will check the parameters this weekend, and will replace the fixture with a black box LED which I took off my DT when I upgraded my lights.
Thanks for your help

AllSignsPointToFish · Apr 4, 2017

wtbuck12 said:
Ok i will check the parameters this weekend, and will replace the fixture with a black box LED which I took off my DT when I upgraded my lights.
Thanks for your help

Yeah, more light will definitely help. I think you're on the right track. Also, you could feed a little heavier to boost nutrient levels.

ReeferMaddness843 · Apr 4, 2017

I've had the same little larger than a golf ball chunk for about 8 months now. It just won't grow. But, I also have a veeeeery low nutrient system. Not by choice, my system is just efficient at what it does. All live rock, chemipur elite, and carbon. Nothing else.

wtbuck12 · Apr 4, 2017

Ok thanks again. Hope that works.

ReeferMaddness843 · Apr 4, 2017

6500k daylight bulb with built in reflector from lowes or hd will do ya just fine for light.

wtbuck12 · Apr 4, 2017

ReeferMaddness843 said:
I've had the same little larger than a golf ball chunk for about 8 months now. It just won't grow. But, I also have a veeeeery low nutrient system. Not by choice, my system is just efficient at what it does. All live rock, chemipur elite, and carbon. Nothing else.

I have about 100 lbs of live rock and run a reef octopus 150 skimmer on a 150 gl total volume tank. Just getting everything cleaned up after several months of neglecting the tank due to having two major surgeries.

wtbuck12 · Apr 4, 2017

Thanks for the information.

AllSignsPointToFish · Apr 4, 2017

Your black box light should do just fine. If it doesn't then you can spend a little money to try @ReeferMaddness843 's suggestion (which will definitely work!).

ReeferMaddness843 · Apr 4, 2017

I just stepped down to an 80 from a 90. When I got the 90 sight unseen, I was told it was a 120-150 (was free so no issues). But I bought rock and sand to satisfy 150 gallon tank. Think I ended up with close to 140-160# live rock. Hahaha. Talk about bio filter overkill!
Best wishes on a speedy recovery from surgery!

ReeferMaddness843 · Apr 4, 2017

I just wasn't sure the spectrum would be what the chateo needed. I know they're more photosynthetic like a plant and like daylight, or that purplish red for plants.

AllSignsPointToFish said:
Your black box light should do just fine. If it doesn't then you can spend a little money to try @ReeferMaddness843 's suggestion (which will definitely work!).

wtbuck12 · Apr 4, 2017

I will try the black box first. I had three on my DT and they worked pretty good until one burnt up. So I upgraded to maxspect and have the two remaining LED sitting in the closet.

wtbuck12 · Apr 4, 2017

Thanks Reefer. Had a lower back fusion and a total right hip replacement. It wasn't pretty for a while but things a much better now and I went back to work.
Thanks

ReeferMaddness843 · Apr 4, 2017

Pins in my hand and plate in my jaw is my worst (separate occasions). Can't imagine the recovery from such a surgery. Whew. Happy reefing and healthy wishes!