Chaeto query

[n00b]

noob question here.

i've read that chaeto are very effective in removing/limiting nitrates.

and these are commonly used by reefers in their sump.

if you're not using a sump, is it advisable to put them in the main tank?

pardon me if the question seems dumb enough... but i don't have a sump and would like to have my FOWLR pump have some corals soon and the nitrates is just seemed to stop @ 20ppm

for more info below are my water parms:
ph 8.2
ammonia 0
nitrite 0
dKh 9
phosphate 0.5
around 30kg of liverock
35 gal tank.

and what does everyone think of a sulfur based denitrator? am planning on going the algone route since i only have a canister filter and a skimmer (queen turbo w/ 1300lph powerhead). the canister filter only contains active carbon now as was previously suggested here.

TIA! and appreciate the patience.

[Ninong]

Any macroalgae that grows and can be regularly harvested will provide nutrient export. The reason people like to use Chaetomorpha in their sumps is because it grows rapidly and isn't likely to go sexual, and it doesn't have to attach itself to the substrate. It would be difficult to use it in a main aquarium with herbivorous fish (e.g. tangs) because the fish would eat it.

You can experiment with other types of algae in your main tank. Most fish won't eat Halimeda and most of them will leave Caulerpa alone. However, there are problems with both of those and one of the biggest problems is that they can take over your tank. Their holdfasts will attach firmly to the live rock substrate and be very difficult to remove.

I wouldn't recommend trying macroalgae in the main tank because you aren't likely to be able to grow enough of it to make regular harvesting a viable option and it's much more likely that it will become invasive.

Sulfur denitrators, or any denitrators, are not commonly used in the U.S.

[zhenya]

If you have enough space behind your tank you can always add a HOB refugium and grow Chaetomorpha there.
Looking at your test results it seems that your phosphate levels are elevated as well at 0.5, you should strive for results that are less than 0.03. Do you use tap water for your water changes or RO/DI?
As far as Nitrates, when did you remove media from your canister filter?
If recently, then I would just give it some more time and make sure to use pure water when mixing water for your water changes.

[Chasman]

n00b

I'm very new here but I have an HOB refugium with Cheato growing nicely in it. And so far my nitrates are basically undetectable after the initial cycle. (30 gal.) I too have a canister filter that only has the filter sponges for my quarantine tank. They come out on Monday. After that it's only water flow, carbon if needed, and my heater source.

My HOB refugium is an EcoSystem version but it's obviously made by CPR that sells the AquaFuge. Both boxes are the same. Mine has the protine skimmer on it that works well but they sell a model without it if the skimmer you have is already working to your liking. (less money)

So far I'm happy with it but I use distilled water and have a boat load of patience.