Chaeto Algae care guide
Chaeto Algae (Chaetomorpha linum) — high light, 22-28 °C, pH 8-8.4, no CO2.
Overview
Chaeto Algae (Chaetomorpha linum) is an aquatic plant of the family Cladophoraceae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as a beginner-level species. It is typically grown under high light and without obligatory CO2 injection on any substrate. Tangle of stiff filamentous green macroalgae used in saltwater refugiums to export nitrate and phosphate. Grows in clumps under refugium light; harvest regularly to keep nutrient export active.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cladophoraceae
- Genus: Chaetomorpha
- Scientific name: Chaetomorpha linum
- Common synonyms: Chaeto
Habitat
Chaetomorpha is a genus of filamentous green marine macroalgae (Cladophoraceae) of coastal waters worldwide; it grows as tangled, stiff, bright-green filaments resembling a ball of fishing line. In the Aquairi knowledge base, populations associated with this form are recorded from Cosmopolitan.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: high
- CO2: not required
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 8-8.4
- GH: 8-12 °dGH
- Substrate: any
- Maximum height: 30 cm
- Growth rate: fast
- Recommended placement: floating
Placement
Kept loose in a refugium under strong light, where it tumbles in the flow; widely used for nutrient export of nitrate and phosphate from reef systems. In the Aquairi knowledge base this form is recommended for the floating layer under high light and without obligatory CO2 injection, using any substrate.
Propagation
Grows simply by elongation and fragmentation, so harvesting a portion of the ball both prunes it and removes captured nutrients. Documented propagation techniques for this entry include: stem cuttings.
Common issues
It can trap detritus and small livestock in its mass and may host pest organisms; periodic rinsing and harvest keep the colony clean and productive.