How To Grow Chaeto Algae

Chaetomorpha algae, commonly known as chaeto, is a macroalgae that is widely used in saltwater aquariums to purify water and provide a natural habitat for beneficial bacteria and other organisms that help break down waste products in the aquarium. Chaeto requires light to grow and photosynthesize. Even a weak light of any common spectrum from white to red can keep chaeto healthy, but it won’t grow as fast with a weak light. If one has chaeto falling apart or dying (unless it’s a huge ball and shaded), it’s missing something in the water: phosphate, nitrate, iron or other elements, it’s almost never the light that is to blame.

There are many lighting options available for chaeto growth. Some popular options include Kessil H380, GrowStar UFO 150W LED, and AI Prime Fuge. The Finnex Refugium Plus Saltwater Aquarium Sump LED Light is another option that has 660nm red 460 blue grow chaeto light.