sump live rock and sand - need lights?

[tonep]

I have live rock and live sand in my sump without
Am I getting any benefits without lights?

Also, is there a downside to adding Cheeto (spelling?).

 

[SIReefer]

Cheato is beneficial but you will need lights to keep it alive and growing.

 

[tonep]

Is there any downside to Cheato?
Just need to trim it?

 

[masterswimmer]

Chaeto is my favorite macro algae for nutrient export. Grows well in most systems (occasionally I hear about someone who can't keep it growing), doesn't go asexual, is not invasive, great place for pods to multiply.

As stated, you'll need a light to keep it healthy.

Russ

 

[tenMann2]

Is there any downside to Cheato?
Just need to trim it?

Provide adequate lighting to allow it to grow. To keep pH stable, running the lighting opposite of your display lighting. Chaeto doesn't reproduce so it won't go asexual and harm your tank. On the other hand, caulerpa does and can foul up your water.

 

[tonep]

yeah thats what I heard so why would anyone use caulerpa instead of cheato?

 

[masterswimmer]

yeah thats what I heard so why would anyone use caulerpa instead of cheato?

Believe it or not, caulerpa is actually illegal in California. There was an entire Discovery episode about the invasion of caulerpa in the Mediterranean Sea. There is evidence that Jacques Cousteau released it from the Louvre and was the culprit for all the problems stemming from caulerpa running rampant in the wild.

Russ

 

[tenMann2]

yeah thats what I heard so why would anyone use caulerpa instead of cheato?

Have a look at this site, it has a bunch of different types of macro algae, the uses and the benefits of each.

http://www.aquacon.com/vip.html

 

[tonep]

Thanks Weezy
That site was very informative
I still wonder why Use caulerpa since it may go Asexual and cause problems as opposed to cheato
How long do people keep the lights on at night with cheato?

 

[tenMann2]

Thanks Weezy
That site was very informative
I still wonder why Use caulerpa since it may go Asexual and cause problems as opposed to cheato
How long do people keep the lights on at night with cheato?

All macro-algae have there purpose. We can't tell you why not to use it, that's a choice you'll have to make. You don't have to necessarily use caulerpa, using just chaeto is fine. Tangs and other fish like caulerpa as opposed to chaeto. So when you have to trim back you can feed it to your fish. You must make sure to harvest/trim it or it will start to die on you.
If your display light is for 14 hours then run your refug light for 10 hours at night. Just keep it the opposite of your display. Again, 24 hours with caulerpa. Caulerpa is ate by humans as well. http://recipes.wikia.com/wiki/Sea_grape

 

[tonep]

Does anyone have any to sell in manhattan?

 

[tonep]

bump

 

[tonep]

Anyone?