Chaeto dead?

[slinky]

Hi, I have a Chaeto ball, used to be green, now it starts to fade in color. is that normal? how to tell is Chaeto is dying? is regular florescent light ok for them to grow? (the bulb is old).

Thanks,

David.

 

[ralph atl]

change the bulb for one. CF or flourescent is fine. try in the 65k color range.
Yes, it sounds like your macro is dying. try putting a powerhead in there, so it tumbles.

 

[spacepony]

Just to add on to this question, if I may, would a take-over by brown algae (diatoms?) kill Chaeto? Also, if the chaeto is dying, how easy does it rebound if problems are fixed? (i.e. how hardy is the stuff?)

 

[smoothie]

Change the bulb, find someone close with some to spare (easiest part) and toss the dying stuff out. Would hate for it to have the reverse effect

 

[nanonano]

I had this same problem when using a bad bulb. It died, faded, broke apart, AND was susceptible to red slime algae covering it.

I increased flow and added some underwater yellow bulbs and it seems to be thriving now.