Sump light

[wtbuck12]

I am using a 36" led fixture from Lowes for my sump light. It looks like a regular old floresent light fixture. My problem is I can't get Cheato to grow, could that be my problem?

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

What kind of bulbs do you have in it? What are your nitrate and phosphate levels?

 

[wtbuck12]

I don't know, it is led and I don't have the paperwork, didn't keep it. I will need to check nitrate and phosphates this weekend, need to pickup new test kit.

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

Ahhh, the LED may not be enough light. Also, if you have low nitrates and phosphates, the Chaeto will not grow quickly if at all.

 

[wtbuck12]

Ok i will check the parameters this weekend, and will replace the fixture with a black box LED which I took off my DT when I upgraded my lights.
Thanks for your help

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

Ok i will check the parameters this weekend, and will replace the fixture with a black box LED which I took off my DT when I upgraded my lights.
Thanks for your help

Yeah, more light will definitely help. I think you're on the right track. Also, you could feed a little heavier to boost nutrient levels.

 

[ReeferMaddness843]

I've had the same little larger than a golf ball chunk for about 8 months now. It just won't grow. But, I also have a veeeeery low nutrient system. Not by choice, my system is just efficient at what it does. All live rock, chemipur elite, and carbon. Nothing else.

 

[wtbuck12]

Ok thanks again. Hope that works.

 

[ReeferMaddness843]

6500k daylight bulb with built in reflector from lowes or hd will do ya just fine for light.

 

[wtbuck12]

I've had the same little larger than a golf ball chunk for about 8 months now. It just won't grow. But, I also have a veeeeery low nutrient system. Not by choice, my system is just efficient at what it does. All live rock, chemipur elite, and carbon. Nothing else.

I have about 100 lbs of live rock and run a reef octopus 150 skimmer on a 150 gl total volume tank. Just getting everything cleaned up after several months of neglecting the tank due to having two major surgeries.

 

[wtbuck12]

Thanks for the information.

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

Your black box light should do just fine. If it doesn't then you can spend a little money to try @ReeferMaddness843 's suggestion (which will definitely work!). ;)

 

[ReeferMaddness843]

I just stepped down to an 80 from a 90. When I got the 90 sight unseen, I was told it was a 120-150 (was free so no issues). But I bought rock and sand to satisfy 150 gallon tank. Think I ended up with close to 140-160# live rock. Hahaha. Talk about bio filter overkill!
Best wishes on a speedy recovery from surgery!

 

[ReeferMaddness843]

I just wasn't sure the spectrum would be what the chateo needed. I know they're more photosynthetic like a plant and like daylight, or that purplish red for plants.

Your black box light should do just fine. If it doesn't then you can spend a little money to try @ReeferMaddness843 's suggestion (which will definitely work!). ;)

 

[wtbuck12]

I will try the black box first. I had three on my DT and they worked pretty good until one burnt up. So I upgraded to maxspect and have the two remaining LED sitting in the closet.

 

[wtbuck12]

Thanks Reefer. Had a lower back fusion and a total right hip replacement. It wasn't pretty for a while but things a much better now and I went back to work.
Thanks

 

[ReeferMaddness843]

Pins in my hand and plate in my jaw is my worst (separate occasions). Can't imagine the recovery from such a surgery. Whew. Happy reefing and healthy wishes!

 

[wtbuck12]

Thanks

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

I use a 35W Kessil H150 Magenta and the Chaeto still wouldn't grow when I was running <0.25 nitrates. FYI.

 

[bif24701]

This one!!!

sPar38 Fuge LED light with Heavy Duty Goose Neck - 36w https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01K3QZEMY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_v7k5yb3QG7980