Fuge for New Tank what should I expect ?

siggy · Aug 15, 2019

I see all the new tanks start fuges right from the start, is this good / bad ? So what can I expect when starting a new tank.

Questions

1. Is there food present to feed the Chaeto? Do I need to supplement? and How do I know or test?
2. Will it slow the cycle and out compete a fledgling bacteria colony ?
3. WHAT HAPPENS when Chaeto or any macro algae dies, degrades and decomposes?
4. Lighting intensity and effects.... A. too intense.... B. too long of a cycle than what is needed C. in-officiant or undersized
5. Live rock that is cured or uncured Pro's-Cons? (new system)
6. Water Flow thew the fuge. Do I need to keep it rolling like the video?
7. Live rock in the fuge with the chaeto?

Katrina71 · Aug 15, 2019

I turn mine every few days. Less light would be better than too much imo. Just slower growth.

d2mini · Aug 15, 2019

With a super strong light, you should be able to grow cheato.
The more light the better.
If it dies off, those nutrients enter your water column. Amount and speed of die off will determine if this is a problem or not. Usually not.
I prefer using real live rock from the start. www.tbsaltwater.com
Otherwise, just use dead rock but it has to be cured. This will take a long time to populate and become "live".
Your cheato doesn't have to tumble, but I prefer it. Keeps it less dense and gets light to all sides.
No live rock in the fuge. Collects detritus and the macro gets caught on it.