Chaeto

[aceroc]

What is the growth rate on chaeto? I have a 20gal fuge with a 65watt pc light and had this for about 3 weeks and doesn't seem to be growing. Also did some water checks tonight and Nitrates are 20 compared to 10 before the chaeto ( i know other factors play in this ) and phosphates are .5 compared to 0. I thought chaeto would lower these readings? It is still green and hardy looking but doesn't want to grow and perameters are going up. I havn't changed any habbits since before the chaeto (ie: feeding,water changes, lighting).

 

[nytrillium]

I'm no expert.... But there is deffinately enough light, but it may not be the right spectrum?... you may wnat to get a full spectrum daylight bulb and that may help. We are dealing with photosynthetic plants here and not corals so the spectrum requirements are a little different. Idk if you can find a 500- 6500 kelvin bulb for your power compact? If you cant I believe the screw in power compact bulbs, you can find them commonly at almost any store now days, have close to the right spectrum and use far less power than grow lights. You could probably fit like 4 of those above the 20 and that woudl be enough light too.
But overall i would say just wait and give it a chance it may take itme to adjust to your lighting and water parameteres. Unless it starts dying on you i wouldnt worry about it.