Healthy cheato.

[Secondgen]

I don't think my cheato is doing so great. Every since I put it in the fuge it has not grown, and the the area that is facing the fuge light is turning white, and crusty. What should I do to make this stuff thrive?

[micki]

Some say you have to have it tumbling. Mine doesn't tumble but does ok. How old is your light?

[Secondgen]

I have heard the tumble method to, but when I look at other people's tanks their's are just stuffed in there and it looks all green and healthy. Maybe my light is the deal? I have only had the fuge up and running for maybe 2-3 months. I bought a shop light the kind with the aluminum cone, and put a 27 watt pc bulb in there that has a K rating of 6500 white. I know it has to be something simple. My sumps design is the same as the 20L built on melev's site.

[micki]

My fuge is where I keep my chaeto and it's just a 10 gallon tank with very very slow flow.  I too use the shop lights.  I think I have a bigger light though.  I'll have to ask Randy or look at the bulb and see what it is.

[MechanicalEngineer]

It could be burned.  Is it white and crusty all over or just near the top?

[Secondgen]

Thats exactly how it is Nikki. Should I cut out the bad section and then see what happens? I had a fuge on my old system but never had a problem with my cheato like this. I know if the macro isn't doing good it can be helping my system much.

[micki]

Dave, once in a while mine will get white on top. It's ususally where it's sticking out of the water a bit. I just pull it off and go on. 

[MechanicalEngineer]

It shouldn't be a problem.  I'd just either move your lights up or tumble the algae to keep it from burning.