Difference between Cheato and Macro algea

[Pimpin Chirp]

What is there a difference between the two? For those of us who run a sump with bio-balls how can we include some into our system to help cultivate a copepod population? Is It safe to put directly into a display tank?

[Hop]

Chaeto is macro. Just a form that is safer than others as it doesn't go nuts or asexual in the tank. In reality I don't see the need for any in a FO system. if you are running a reef, I would slowly remove the bioballs and then determine whether you need a fuge with chaeto or not. The production of pods is rather over exaggerated IME. Sure you have a ton in the chaeto, but I don't see a lot more in the tank because of it

[Elegance Coral]

You're not going to see many pods in the display because the fish eat them. Any pod that shows itself is quickly consumed. I have 3 small fish in about 80gl of water and about 90% of their food comes from the pods that live in the fuge. 100% for the Mandarin. In the other system, occasionally I will see a large pod that survived the trip into the heavily fish stocked display, and it never makes it to the rocks. For several years I ran a 55gl display with two 30gl fuges. The only fish were two clowns and I never fed them. They lived on pods alone. In most cases a fuge won't support a large healthy fish population on its own, but it does supply a good source of very nutritious food on occasion.

Like Hop said, Cheato is just one form of macro algae. You can try it in the display, but it's not a good idea in most cases. Either the fish eat it or it overgrows everything in the tank.

[david426]

Another advantage of chaeto in the fuge is that it binds phosphate and nitrate. As you harvest and remove it you remove those elements also. Here's a link http://www.ipsf.com/ I haven't purchased anything from them but I might in the future. I've always thought It would be neat to try a variety of macros in the display; don't know if it would work. It also looks like they sell copepods too.