Chaeto in my hang on back filter?

[iidylii]

So I was wondering I've heard some stories of macro algae "chateo/caulerpa" taking over tanks...would it be fine for me to just place a handful into my hang on back filter? Or am I actually just fine putting chateo in my tank because I'm not sure that it spreads like caulerpa? And if I put it on my hang on filter would I need some type of clip on UV light to shine on it? Thanks as always guys

 

[socalnano24]

It won't take over unless you don't manage it for like 3 months. For good algae nutrient exportation, you should trim your macroalgae every few weeks so that it stays healthy (free of detritus and dark spots or yellow light spots) and this will export the nitrates and phosphates the macroalgae has absorbed from your tank.
If you put it in a darker location like a hang on back filter, it will need a localized light. I have a clip on led spot light for one of my tanks. Another option is to put it in a breeder insert inside the main tank, where it will stay contained and still get the main tank light.
If you chose to utilize the hang on back filter, i would recommend you alternate your lighting with a timer, so the light for the chaeto runs at night. This will actually help balance your tanks pH levels which can drop at night otherwise.

 

[jay0705]

I keep it in my main tanks. Just keep it managed. Most fish wont eat cheato, my fox and yellow didnt get that memo however , so there is none left in that tank lol

 

[iidylii]

Ok so I ended up putting it in the hang on filter box and clipped a utility lamp to it and put a plant bulb in it...so I guess we will see if it's gonna survive

 

[jay0705]

I would think it should

 

[snakeblitz33]

Chaeto grows into thick clumps. It could collect detritus over time if not properly managed.

 

[jay0705]

I have that issue in my one tank. How do I help prevent it? More flow?

 

[silverado61]

If its in your filter more flow won't help. Putting back in your tank will. If its in your tank, direct the flow closer to the bottom of the tank without blowing on the sand will help

 

[jay0705]

Ok yea its in the main. Ill try to increase flow by it

 

[beaslbob]

Sure you can add chaeto to a hob filter and that does work.
Of course it is better to have a greater mass of cheato though.
So you could also partition you tank to protect the chaeto also.
my .02

 

[jay0705]

What are u protecting it from? Fish or ?

 

[beaslbob]

Quote:Originally Posted by jay0705 http:///t/397586/chaeto-in-my-hang-on-back-filter#post_3544398
What are u protecting it from? Fish or ?

Yes.
Before I added the partition, the fish and clean up crews chomped down on the macros to the point they never became established.
after adding the partition, my tangs for instance were constantly graizing on the macros that poked through the partition.. And nitrates dropped from 80-160ppm to unmeasurable in 3 weeks. Phosphates dropped down a few months later.

 

[jay0705]

Ah ok. I read cheato wasnt usually eating by fish so I got that,2 days later gone! But I never saw my fox or tang eating it.

 

[silverado61]

My urchins destroyed my cheato and all the decorative algae I got from Flower. It didn't have a chance. I even built a "cage" out of eggcrate and put it in there but it didn't stop them.

 

[jay0705]

Hmm? I have 2 diff types of urchin. Each in a diff tank. The one tank has cheato in it, and doesnt get touched. The other is the tank that it got eaten in lol maybe it was the urchin

 

[silverado61]

I had a spiney and a pincushion and they both ate it.

 

[jay0705]

Hmm never thought about them