Chaeto Macro Algae | Spaghetti Algae | Filter Media

A popular choice for refugium macroalgae among advanced aquarists in the United States is Chaetomorpha. Unlike Caulerpa, Chaetomorpha is multicellular and, as such, is inherently more stable. It can be cut and pruned aggressively with little or no fear of toxins being released or having vegetative crashes. And, like its namesake, it can also simply be thinned gently with ease like strands of spaghetti noodles. It is fast growing and makes an excellent vehicle for nutrient export! It is also highly adaptable to a very wide range of lighting [Tip: illuminate most macroalgae in refugia with at least 1 watt of light per liter of water at depths less than 30 cm]. Like most "vegetable-filter" algae species, moderate to strong water flow is necessary; keep a total water flow of at least 20X turnover of the volume of the culturing vessel. There are many other benefits to spaghetti algae, not the least of which is that it is a superb matrix for the cultivation of microcrustaceans. Aquarists with thick masses of Chaetomorpha in their refugiums get a bounty of zooplankton to feed their corals in their display, assuming the refugiums is kept without predators like fishes on the plankton. This genus is also a rather hardy shipper; trading among aquarists is strongly encouraged to distribute this useful organism in the hobby.
Nutrient Transport and Nitrate Removal are two key factors in a successful reef system. Here is some useful info I came across at reefland:
"Spaghetti algae" is one of the very best macroalgae for nutrient export in "vegetable filter" style refugiums. Chaetomorpha Macro Algae, Chaeto, pronounced "kay-toe", is a great way to naturally turn the nitrogenous compounds of your tank into plant food!!! The waste by-products of life, along with the light you provide for photosynthesis, will help this chaeto double in size on a regular basis. The always popular chaeto, works great, and wont go asexual! Chaetomorpha Algae, also known as Spaghetti Algae or Green Hair Algae, is an excellent macro algae for refugiums. Each cell grows end to end, creating long, stiff strands. It grows in filamentous clumps, resembling a ball of fishing line. You can "prune" it and throw it away--or you can compact it for even greater nutrient absorption. If you have a refugium, just throw this clump in there---it's like a Brillo pad--it stays together fairly well. You can also put it into a mesh bag for use in your main tank. There are many different ways you can contain the chaeto in your main tank all the while providing great hiding spots for the tiny "critters" in your tank. This algae is fast growing and is not palatable to many herbivorous species.
Chaetomorpha Algae removes both phosphates and nitrates from the water. To increase the amount of nutrients this algae exports, use moderate to high lighting and keep it in an area of high water flow. It should ideally be tumbled in an algae filter. This algae is sold by the bag and will arrive in a dense mat. Spaghetti algae, though not palatable to many herbivorous species, is popular in reef aquariums for its ability to remove nitrates, assist in buffering pH, uptake carbon dioxide producing oxygen, and assist in balancing trace elements. It also provides hiding spaces for small creatures. To increase the amount of nutrients this algae exports, keep in an area of high water flow.

Also, it is often overlooked that the chaeto also acts like a filter floss of sorts, and will trap small particles of detritus and unprocessed foods and such. Because of this, it is a good practice to “rinse” your chaetomorpha macro algae from time to time. At least rinse it well with each water change; Pull out 5 gallons of water that is to be replaced in a water change, and save it in a 5 gallon bucket or similar container. Before you dump the old saltwater, use it to rinse out the chaeto first. You will be amazed at how ugly that bucket of water will get.

When you are done rinsing your chaeto, and have put it back in the refugium, decant the 5 gallon bucket for a few minutes before slowly pouring it out, and stop when there is about 2-3” of water left and look for brittle stars, hard stars and critters to be rescued before dumping out the last of the old dirty saltwater.

I hope this will help for folks who are having any troubles keeping their Chaeto thriving and productive.

-Greg
admin@SaltwaterEddies.com

This volume will fill a Quart size Ziploc Freezer Bag.

Ships Great Even in the Cold!: Customer feed back:...

..."just wanted to say thanks again for the great chaeto! When I bought mine I was expecting a lil' sandwich bag not the Ziploc bag stuffed full that came! I've noticed an explosion of pods in my fuge since adding it as well, so my fish thank you too! for the amount you sell has got to be the best deal going!"
--South Dakota

"Props for this chaeto I have bought it twice before i live in AK
also bought it in winter one time it nearly froze and it still came back with a boom"
---Alaska

"...for great chaeto, mine had lots of critters in it...
--- Dublin, CA

I was tumbling my small piece I got off eBay for more $ than I paid Greg (Eddie) and yes it did look cool. However with the package I got from Greg I can no longer get it to roll over no matter how much air I pumped in so I stopped. I just roll it over every day or two when I change my filter media sense it is just lifting the filter tray and reaching in.... I have mine on a 15 hour cycle and my nitrates went from 40 to zero in less than 2 weeks. I did not even do a water change in that period. Get some! I would buy more but I don't need it, mine is growing well.
---Yucca Valley, CA

"Well the chaeto finally showed up today. It was a balmy 3 degrees out too ... but surprisingly, its got a nice deep green color still. I figured it would be a total loss ... but it still looks pretty good.

Thanks again for shipping to me, I know its a bit of extra hassle, and its greatly appreciated. "
----Canada
"Well here is some more confirmation. The chaeto I received that took 16 days and arrived on the very cool summer day, is alive, and growing quite nicely.

If it can make it all the way up to Canada, in a dark bag for two weeks, and still look this good ... don't hold out. If you are even thinking of a macro algae ... this is the one to buy, from Greg.

Thanks again for going out of your way, and thanks for a phenomenal specimen of chaeto!"

---Manitoba

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