Not happy with Chaeto growth, at all

[nanoreefsurf]

So i have had the sump with refugium up and running for about 2 months. Im not seeing really any growth of Chaeto since then. I am doing a reverse light cycle with a 15 watt compact flourescent with one of those dome fixtures from home depot.

 

The tank is a 40 breeder with a 20g sump. The refugium has live rock rubble and the chaeto that isnt growing. I also have not noticed any pods in the chaeto or refugium. Should I be seeing them by now?

 

I have a really powerful skimmer so do you think I should just do that and do away with the refugium?

[Mojorizn]

What are your Nitrates and Phosphates? Any algae problems?

 

If you chaeto isn't actively growing I'd say congrats on having a low nutrient tank = a good thing.

[gutterguy]

I have the same setup but my light is a flourecent flood light , 5000k, not sure of wattage, that i run reverse cycle and my golf ball size cheato is now almost the size of a tennis ball in 2 weeks.

 

Also bought light at Home Depot

[jbfrompa]

Also what is your stocking. And +1 to prob not enough nutrients in the tank to grow it.

[nanoreefsurf]

stocking is only a flame angel, a small clown, and a hectors goby.

 

Last week, I noticed some algae starting up on some of the rock. It looks like bryopsis which scares me. I will now test nitrates to see whats up. I will monitor the chaeto now to see if it responds differently since the new addition of the unwanted algae in the display.

 

Thanks for the replies!

 

Chris

[jbfrompa]

Have fun with the algae I am trying to get rid if it in my tank as well. Hit it hard and fast.

[Mojorizn]

If it is bryopsis then check your Mag and do some reading up on Mag / Bryopsis.

 

And +1 to prob not enough nutrients in the tank to grow it.

 

^ a good thing.

From my understanding, corals (SPS) do best in a low nutrient plankton rich environment.

 

so, if you nutrients are low and STAY LOW ( Trate / Phos ) and ya feed your fish a little more or spot feed your corals or both...imo...your good to go.

a quick read

[johnmaloney]

So i have had the sump with refugium up and running for about 2 months. Im not seeing really any growth of Chaeto since then. I am doing a reverse light cycle with a 15 watt compact flourescent with one of those dome fixtures from home depot.

 

The tank is a 40 breeder with a 20g sump. The refugium has live rock rubble and the chaeto that isnt growing. I also have not noticed any pods in the chaeto or refugium. Should I be seeing them by now?

 

I have a really powerful skimmer so do you think I should just do that and do away with the refugium?

 

light is too weak, put this guy in that fixture and see what changes next month:

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xg2...catalogId=10053