Some Refugium Questions (And a chaeto call)

[WAR5150]

I decided to start a refugium a little while back but it was less than a success. I got my hands on a chaeto and threw it in the sump with a Kessil H160 on the grow setting. I managed to grow algae...in the skimmer...while the chaeto turned brown and whittled away to nothing. So here are my questions:

1. What are some possible pitfalls I may have overlooked, or did I simply get unlucky? I put the chaeto into the refugium section of my redsea 350 sump with the 'fuge light on a 12 hour cycle opposite my display lights. Maybe I didn't have enough chaeto? Should it have been floating or gone straight to the bottom? I ask because I feel like most pictures or videos I see show it gently rolling around the surface but mine wanted to sink when I put it in.

2. What have others done to prevent light spillover? This way the light stays focused on the chaeto and not growing inside of the skimmer.

3. Does anyone have a chaeto harvest coming up? I bought algae barn the last time and don't feel like going through that again. I'm in Fairfield but come down to Livermore often enough. I'll also probably be in San Jose in a couple weeks time.

 

[Da_Neefer]

I couldn't get Chaeto to grow well and consistently for me until I started supplementing a trace element mix with iron in it. There are a number of products available to supplement if that's the issue. I can't help you with light spillover because I have a huge issue with it. I need to get busy creating some sort of light shield. I'm in San Ramon and have chaeto available but that's a bit far out of your way.

 

[Baykes]

I should have some in SJ ready in a couple weeks

 

[RandyC]

2. What have others done to prevent light spillover? This way the light stays focused on the chaeto and not growing inside of the skimmer.

Flexible HDPE sheets from TAP plastics.

https://www.tapplastics.com/product/plastics/plastic_sheets_rolls/hdpe_m_m_opaque/258

I use them in sump, external to sump, hanging, whatever is needed.

 

[BleepBloopMunchMunch]

I've got chaeto for you in San Leandro, I also had trouble with keeping it alive and the light spillover, getting an algae reactor really changed the game for me

 

[JVU]

I could give you lots of chaeto anytime, I’m in Walnut Creek if that’s convenient.

It definitely doesn’t need to tumble, people just like to post that because it looks cool.

For light spillover another option is to make a little light hood and affix it to the light somehow. The closer you get it to the light source the smaller it can be and still get the job done of shading the rest of the sump.

 

[Yuk SUm]

Also got some chaeto for you if you ever visit fremont. I grow my using the tumble method and it grow great. I also have the kessil h160 and printed a 3d Light shade that go over the light. Really help out the light spillover.

This is what I use for my kessil h160. https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3560910

 

[ashburn2k]

I’m actually closer to you in San Pablo, I can give you some.


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[WAR5150]

I couldn't get Chaeto to grow well and consistently for me until I started supplementing a trace element mix with iron in it. There are a number of products available to supplement if that's the issue.

Did you have any specific products that you found to work better than another?

 

[Da_Neefer]

Did you have any specific products that you found to work better than another?

I didn't see much difference between the 2 I've used other than the difference between not using them at all. Seachem Reef Trace or Kent Essential Elements. I do like that the Kent doesn't need refrigeration.

 

[WAR5150]

I also have the kessil h160 and printed a 3d Light shade that go over the light. Really help out the light spillover.

This is what I use for my kessil h160. https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3560910

I really like the idea of this since it is less intrusive than most methods I have seen. Did you print this yourself or find someone else selling it?

 

[Yuk SUm]

Just print it myself. I use pla cause that what I have at home. Not the best but it works.

 

[ashburn2k]

Just print it myself. I use pla cause that what I have at home. Not the best but it works.

Pla Will breakdown, and loose filament string will clog your circulation pump. This is from my experience.


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[Yuk SUm]

Yes. I figure that it doesn't touch water so I should be good. But I keep a eye on it

 

[H2OPlayar]

I got a flexible black plastic around my skimmer, then the whole rest of the sump becomes a hair algae farm. It does make it relatively easy to scrape off the walls and throw out every week though. I have cheato in Sunnyvale.

 

[Srt4eric]

So here's a refugium question. Figured I'd piggyback here instead of start a whole new thread. Right now I have a cheap Amazon grow light. I see kessil has many options for fuge lights. How do I know what one I want?

 

[ashburn2k]

Whichever fits your budget.


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[H2OPlayar]

And grows plants. I have one of the waterproof cobb style lights and they work great. I keep thinking about the upgrade and coming to the conclusion that this is a place to not get the most expensive.

 

[ScubaMike]

If I knew what I know now I would have skipped the Kessill and go with the tubular, submersible Tunze unit. My Kessill on a goose neck only lights up the top layers of my Chaeto so I am constantly turning it over.

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