(Chaeto) To Cut or Not To Cut

[Fragged_it]

I've always let my chaeto run ramped in my refugium, thinking the more chaeto the better the nutrient export. I was talking with some other reefers and they were telling me that it's best to cut chaeto way back and let it grow then cut it way back again for the best nutrient exporting.

What is everyone's thoughts on this?

 

[RBursek]

From what I have read it grows from the ends so cutting it gives you more ends.

 

[ddwbeagles]

Yet if the entire strand(s) are alive the nutrient export would be the same would it not (regardless of how many ends were in the mass). Not sure here either, but I HAVE TO trim mine back about every two weeks or it becomes so dense, that light can't penitrate. Interesting question though and will curious as to what is the answer here. In my laymen assumption, RBursek may be onto something. Garden plants intake/burn the most amount of energy during their spring "green-up/growth" phase, so it is logical that the same would apply to Chaeto.

 

[beaslbob]

It is possible for macros to become nitrate starved. When that happens you tend to get cyano problems.

So I recommend you harvest the macro frequently. To help prevent nitrate starvation and keep the macros thriving, fast growning, and in control of the tank.

Of course you can harvest too much also. So I guess you should keep an eye on nitrates to insure you have enough to keep nitrates low. Just not too low.

my .02

 

[whip1]

I always cut mine when it begins to resemble swampthing crawling outa my fuge:)

 

[gilmour01]

prune the chaeto to put the export in 'nutrient export'.

 

[whip1]

prune the chaeto to put the export in 'nutrient export'.

always such a techy:)