I have been running chaeto in one of my compartment in my AIO for about 6 months now. Its a very small amount as it fits in a 4" x 4" x 8" section in the bak. Its lit for 12 hours through the night. It grows very well and I pull out a chunk every couple weeks. When I do remove some, small pieces find their way into everything in the back of the tank and then I have to clean my pump filters. and stuff.
So my question is, is it really worth growing it for a 30 gallon tank and is there even enough to help with nitrates (which are 0), or affect ph swings overnight.
There are a lot of pods in there when I pull out a chunk, and I like having them, but I don't see a mandarin in my future anyway, so not too concerned about a safe haven for pods.
Also, the fuge light on the back of the tank heats my water up 1 - 1 1/2 degrees over night to 81 degrees, then back down to 79 during the day. I don't use a heater at all.
Looking for thoughts and opinions.