[e_baer]

So, what type of plants are best at removing nitrates, and are fairly in expensive as well as hardy and only need moderat lighting conditions?

[reefnoob1991]

EXCELLENT QUESTION! I need to know the answer too since I want to replace my bioballs with chaeto and will have no lighting...i've heard they can range from none to high lighting

[e_baer]

Yeah, but is that truely the BEST plant that removes nitrates?

[Krazy]

I think the cheato is high on the list for removing nitrates, it does need light though in order to grow...

[Steevo]

Cheato is good for nitrate, I think grape caulerpa is better and a faster growth, its used in shrimp farming because it soaks it up as well as heavy metal traces, thing is tho you need to light it 24/7 and harvest it, dont feed it to the fish or you just put it back in the system

[Krazy]

Originally Posted by Steevo

Cheato is good for nitrate, I think grape caulerpa is better and a faster growth, its used in shrimp farming because it soaks it up as well as heavy metal traces, thing is tho you need to light it 24/7 and harvest it, dont feed it to the fish or you just put it back in the system

if you dont light it 24/7 cant it go asexual and pollute the tank though ??

I think thats why cheato is more popular...

I'm pretty sure I read that somewheres... ???

That grape is a nice algae though and tangs just love the stuff, I'd hate to have it bloom in my display though, YIKES!

[reefnoob1991]

Yeah chaeto is good for phosphates and nitrates..i just dont really feel like setting up a sump or fuge with the lighting back there

[e_baer]

wher can i get this cheato? My LFS doesnt sell SW plants.

[Krazy]

Originally Posted by e_baer

wher can i get this cheato? My LFS doesnt sell SW plants.

Paypal me $12 bucks and I'll send you a quart sized ziplock packed full like a lil pillow

Becky can vouch for me, I sent her a bag down to texas and it faired well for her


Cheato pic from my 10 gallon grow out tank (stomella snails LOVE to breed in it) :

[reefnoob1991]

Krazy...do you know of anything that would better replace the bioballs other than chaeto...because I have no lighting....I want to get a couple pounds of live rubble and put it back there but im not sure if it gets completely submerged underwater

[Krazy]

The rubble is the only thing I can think of, as long as its always staying wet, I think it'd be alright.

[e_baer]

Is this stuff OK to put in my main tank, or wouldnt you advise it?

[reefnoob1991]

Krazy...read my livestock thread

[Krazy]

Originally Posted by e_baer

Is this stuff OK to put in my main tank, or wouldnt you advise it?

I know of people who do by containing it with egg crate or a rubble pile, personally I wouldnt put it in my display, to much flow, it'd be everywheres... LOL !!!

[e_baer]

what if i put some in my 30....hmmmm......i think ill do that. Yeah, so paypal you $12. Alright, Im not sure about this week, Im pretty busy with finals and graduation and stuff, but ill definately get back to you!

[e_baer]

wanna send my small snails along with it? or would that cost extra?

[Krazy]

Originally Posted by e_baer

what if i put some in my 30....hmmmm......i think ill do that. Yeah, so paypal you $12. Alright, Im not sure about this week, Im pretty busy with finals and graduation and stuff, but ill definately get back to you!

Just send me a private message when your read, I should still have it growing
I can throw a few stomellas in there too...

[e_baer]

alright, thanks a bunch!

[michelle's ocean fantasy]

Love the bargaining here! Can't wait until I am at that point - I would love to start seeing what others have and try that-

[e_baer]

well, tonz sent me a nice batch of cheato, and has grown already, just in the past 2 weeks. When you are at the point where you need some cheat, ill be more than happy to send some to you! as long as i have enough.

[michelle's ocean fantasy]

Thanks Elliott...I appreciate the gesture. Man I love this site! I have been bragging to everyone about RB!!! I have a plan- a secret so far, because I am still trying to figure out how to do it. BUT, once it is 'there', I would love to share if someone can tell me how to ship live. I have started my own business, so I have lots of packing supplies- but not ice/heat packs,etc. But looking forward to it just the same. I will def let you know when I am at that point!