Chaeto growth

[brutus187]

My cheato does not seem to want to grow. I've had it for about 3 weeks and no signs of growth. I have it under a 60watt grow light (home depot special) 24x7. I've now changed to alternating light periods to see if it will jump start. I've also dosed a little iron...any ideas?

[wetcoast]

Whats the temperature of your bulb and how long are you lighting it for? How far away is the bulb?

[LeeR]

get a DAYLIGHT 24w spiralspiral compact fluorescent from HD and run the light 24/7

[bassman]

Perhaps it is doing it's job nicely and there are not enough nutrients left in the water for new growth.

I used to worry about the growth rate too but I find that as long as it's there and healthy (no brown mushy spots) then there is no real rush. I just end up throwing more away, more often.

[Delphinus]

I'll second what Bassman said.

I find chaeto has to hit a sort of critical mass before growth becomes noticeable. Ie., I find if I move a clump from one tank to another it just sort of sits there. But a few months on and suddenly it stars doubling in size every week.

If it's new to your system it might just be at that point still. If it's not disintegrating on you then it's probably OK.

[brutus187]

ya it's not disintegrating or turning brown...it has turned a darker green than when i first got it. So I guess I should just leave it and wait it out.

thanks guys

[digital-audiophile]

I've never had luck with chaeto, I have had one ball for about a year and it is the exact same size as it was when I got it.