Chaeto
Scientific Name: Chaetomorpha linum, Chaetomorpha aerea
Common Names: Chaeto, Chaetomorpha, Spaghetti Algae
Type: Green filamentous macroalgae
Growth Habit: Dense, wiry, tangled mat or ball
Tank Placement: Refugium or sump (not recommended in display)
Top-tier nitrate and phosphate removal
Safe—won’t go sexual or release toxins like Caulerpa
Excellent copepod and amphipod habitat
Low maintenance and easy to prune
Tolerates wide nutrient ranges
You will receive x1 Clump of Chaeto
Scientific Name: Chaetomorpha linum, Chaetomorpha aerea
Common Names: Chaeto, Chaetomorpha, Spaghetti Algae
Type: Green filamentous macroalgae
Growth Habit: Dense, wiry, tangled mat or ball
Tank Placement: Refugium or sump (not recommended in display)
Top-tier nitrate and phosphate removal
Safe—won’t go sexual or release toxins like Caulerpa
Excellent copepod and amphipod habitat
Low maintenance and easy to prune
Tolerates wide nutrient ranges
You will receive x1 Clump of Chaeto
Scientific Name: Chaetomorpha linum, Chaetomorpha aerea
Common Names: Chaeto, Chaetomorpha, Spaghetti Algae
Type: Green filamentous macroalgae
Growth Habit: Dense, wiry, tangled mat or ball
Tank Placement: Refugium or sump (not recommended in display)
Top-tier nitrate and phosphate removal
Safe—won’t go sexual or release toxins like Caulerpa
Excellent copepod and amphipod habitat
Low maintenance and easy to prune
Tolerates wide nutrient ranges
You will receive x1 Clump of Chaeto
Parameter Ideal Range
Temperature 72–78°F (22–26°C)
Salinity 1.024–1.026
pH 8.0–8.4
Alkalinity 8–12 dKH
Nitrate 2–20 ppm
Phosphate 0.02–0.1 ppm
Calcium 400–450 ppm
Magnesium 1250–1350 ppm
Chaeto needs nutrients. In ultra-low nutrient systems (ULNS), it will stop growing or melt.
Issue/Cause/Fix
Melting or disintegrating: Nutrient-starved or low flow - Increase NO₃/PO₄ and improve flow
Yellow or pale green: Light too weak or aging - Replace bulb, upgrade light
Stagnant ball center: Not tumbling or no water circulation - Shake, rotate, increase flow
📦 Acclimation
Match temperature (float 15–30 minutes)
Drip acclimate if shipping long-distance
Gently rinse in clean tank water to remove debris
Place in refugium or sump under bright light and good flow
🧼 Pest Note
Always quarantine or rinse new Chaeto—can contain bristleworms, flatworms, or bubble algae
If buying online, look for certified clean or pest-free sources
💡 Lighting
High-intensity lighting is key
Use a refugium-specific LED with PAR in the 5000K–6500K range or full-spectrum grow light
Photoperiod: 12–18 hours/day (often opposite the main tank lights to stabilize pH)
🌊 Flow Requirements
Moderate to high flow is essential to prevent detritus from settling and to oxygenate the mat
Ideal setup includes a tumbling ball in the refugium
If not tumbling, shake or rotate weekly to avoid die-off in the center
🍽️ Nutrient Needs
Requires measurable nitrate and phosphate
Starves in tanks with GFO, aggressive skimming, or heavy filter socks
Benefits from trace supplements like:
Iron (optional, boosts growth)
Iodine (in trace, not critical)
Chaeto boosters (if you’re dosing in ULNS tanks)
✂️ Pruning & Maintenance
Trim weekly or biweekly to export nutrients
Remove yellowing or decaying clumps
Rinse in tank water before putting back
Shake or rotate to keep water flow through all sides
🔬 Compatibility
100% reef-safe
Won’t attach to rocks or spread in display
Safe for all corals, fish, and inverts
Great home for pods, mysis, and microfauna
