Chaeto Growth and melting

W

waterbeing

Premium Member
I have purchased 2 large quantites of Chaeto to add to one of my tank refugiums, and each time it has just 'melted' after a couple of weeks. I'm using exactly the same light as my other (aggressive) tank that grows like mad and I can't figure out any other thing that would cause it. My grape caulerpa and gracilaria don't seem to be affected by it much though. The photo period is about the same as my other tank. The Tank parms were a little low on alk during the first batch and although it was corrected, it didn't help. During the second batch, it was up (and maybe even a bit high), but that didn't seem to matter as it came back down and continued to melt. The nitrates have fluctuated between about 5-20 and I do have a phosban reactor running too, but this is also similiar to the other tank. I finally took out the remaining to keep it from melting more. My only other thought was too much waterflow and/or light that is forcing it up against the strainer/drain teeth and causing it to dissolve. I slowed the water flow through the refugium before the second bat so I'm kind of baffled and wonder if large light changes (from the store to my home) could possibly account for it. Any other thoughts?
Doug
 
Maybe trim back the caulerpa? I know that my chaeto growth increased when I ripped out most of my caulerpa. (Maybe it's a competition thing.)
 
Iron?

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=de72cd94ff3e99101e45e2cf8d1d32b4&postid=7421308
 
Might also review Randy's thoughts on lighting:

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=216369
 
Thanks guys. The refug is almost empty with very little grape/gracilaria, but when I put the Chaeto in, it ususally starts 'melting' shortly. It may indeed be the sharp difference in lighting, so maybe Ill actually try again and adjust the lightling some. It is baffling anyhow. Appreciate all the helpful hints.

Doug
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top