New tank & chaeto

RiMo · 12-15-2006, 07:26 AM

I just set up a Biocube 29. I have done the mod to put a fuge in the 2nd chamber. My question is can I add the chaeto before the tank is cycled?

Thanks,
Rick

Dyngoe · 12-15-2006, 09:12 AM

Hi,

My experience whith cheato is you CAN add it before cycling if you water is stable. BUT, you won't see much growth and could lose some because there are no nitrates for it to eat. In my friends tank taht was cycled his cheato wouldn't grow because his water was too good. He did 20% water changes each week and the nitrates never accumulated enough to feed the algae.

Benzilla · 08-07-2008, 05:43 AM

Cheato needs Nitrates for food? I wasn't aware that was a requirement. I have a relatively new tank, and the Cheato in the Fuge doesn't appear to be doing too well. I do have four Damsels in the display emitting plenty of Nitrates...or not? My lighting in the Fuge could be my problem too...