Fuge Macro not growing

[Jessy]

I have a CPR Aquafuge that I got from Yolo fully established a while back. I've got a 6K PC light bulb on it, but the cheato (sp?) never really grows. If grows at all its really slow. Anyone have any idea why it wouldn't be growing like crazy?

[victortrav]

low nutrients ?
not enough space?
cheato likes to tumble not enough flow ?

[h20poloman2]

I would second Vic's comments...definitely the tumbling factor. I have a K4 in my fuge to help with the flow

[Jessy]

I would second Vic's comments...definitely the tumbling factor. I have a K4 in my fuge to help with the flow I thought fuges were supposed to be calm with only a little water movement

[h20poloman2]

well, I've actually heard a mix of responses on this. Some say a slower/medium flow is good while some say tumbling is better and it depends on the type of macro algae you have. Mine seems to be growing well and I've went to keeping my fuge light on 24/7. Here is another link to wwm that gives some different info.

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/maralgfaq5.htm

[victortrav]

calm if you want to get your pods growing
tumble for your macros

[JoeJ]

It's hard to pinpoint what exactly changed macroalgae growth in my refugium, but I started to work on raising Magnesium levels and lowering nitrates and I started to notice an accelerated growth. I even got a clump of a green hair algae that wasn't put there intentionally. My tank has also been adjusting to the new LEDs, so I think things are re-balancing overall. I'm currently growing Dragon's breath, Red kelp and Ochtodes (?).

I know that Caulerpa and Halimeda use calcium, so getting the right magnesium levels will only help them uptake and grow. I'm only guessing it had an effect on my red algae at this point.

I'd rather not have to add Iron on my list of things to dose and test. But, the ol' Fenner suggests it for natural sea water.

I'm using Scripps, though. Are you?