Live rock VS Chaeto

[ash9965]

We are talking sump filtration what's best fill up the sump with live rock or grow chaeto or a combo of both ? Thoughts and opinions ??? :)

 

[McMullen]

If it's either or, then Cheato. I think provides superior nutrient control compared to denitrifying bacteria in rock!

 

[Scottsquatch]

Well, they do different things, Chaeto is great for removing nitrates and such where your live rock provides the surface area for the denitrifying bacteria to colonize. Most people have the live rock in the display and Chaeto in the fuge. However, if you have a set up that minimizes the amount of live rock in your display it certainly would not hurt to put more in your fuge. Good luck.

 

[ash9965]

Had too move quite a bit of my live rock to the sump when I was changing the look of the tank. I already have a skimmer and the live rock now takes up much of the free space. I could add chaeto as well but would the light blockage from the chaeto cause some die off on the live rock ???

 

[McMullen]

Don't think so!

 

[ash9965]

how important is light to maintain the live rock

 

[twilliard]

It's also good to note that different species of algaes up takes different elements.

 

[Scottsquatch]

It shouldn't bother the live rock at all.

 

[DeniseAndy]

You do not need light to maintain live rock. It is for bacteria and pods mostly. I have only live rock in my sump now. I have tried cheato and personally did not like dealing with it. Could not get to grow well and could not get tumble right. I have an UAS, so cheato would be redundant. I do have live rock because my live rock in my display is on the lesser end. I think it is up to reefer. Not better one way or the other. Depends on need.

 

[mcarroll]

what's best fill up the sump with live rock or grow chaeto or a combo of both ?

If those are my only options, then I pick just a protein skimmer!

 

[ash9965]

If those are my only options, then I pick just a protein skimmer!

whats in your sump ?

 

[DeniseAndy]

whats in your sump ?

That would be a good title instead of "what's in your wallet?"

 

[Scottsquatch]

"What's in your sump?" I love it! I'm in a hospital bed right now and reading that made milk come outta my nose. First good laugh in a few days. Thanks! I can envision a burly viking saying that! LOL

 

[ash9965]

cant beat a name like scottsquatch reminds me of finding bigfoot one of my favorite shows

 

[Scottsquatch]

Yeah that's been my username for as long as I can remember. I'm 6 ft 7 and 400 lbs. And kinda shaggy looking to boot. So it's been a fitting moniker.

 

[Cory]

Chaeto wins because it actually filters. Live rock pollutes as it traps detritus and grows bacteria that produce no3,po4 etcetera. While lr can remove no3 ive seen no significant effect of that or studies.

 

[Rich W]

Hi all, very interested in this thread as I’m looking at ways to reduce nitrates.

My display has a high quantity of live rock. I was thinking of removing the sump live rock (probably add it to display) and use chaeto in the sump, this way my rock colonies aren’t modified but should get some benefits from chaeto. Have I got my facts straight?!

 

[mcarroll]

whats in your sump ?

Not sure what happened two years ago, but here's my answer:

Tunze 9410.

That was preceeded by an AquaC EV-120.

There are two chunks of live rock that I inhereted a few years after I set up the tank...just didn't wanna dry em out, but they aren't doing anything purposeful there. ;) (I'm with @Cory on live rock in the sump...problematic unless well cared for with LOTS of flow.)

Hi all, very interested in this thread as I’m looking at ways to reduce nitrates.

My display has a high quantity of live rock. I was thinking of removing the sump live rock (probably add it to display) and use chaeto in the sump, this way my rock colonies aren’t modified but should get some benefits from chaeto. Have I got my facts straight?!

How old is your tank and can you post all your latest test results?

How many pounds per gallon of rock do you currently have?