Technical Background
Nutrients are substances required by algae for survival; they are collectively involved in all aspects of the biological and chemical reactions that allow algae to function properly. Brightwell Aquatics ChaetoGro provides these substances in concentrations found by researchers to be necessary for long-term health. These elements, and some of the processes that they are involved in, are:
Potassium - Protein synthesis, water and charge balance, enzyme activation.
Boron - Chlorophyll production, flowering, root growth, cell function.
Carbon - Required for all organic compounds.
Calcium - Cell wall stability and permeability, enzyme activation, cell response to stimuli.
Chlorine - Water and charge balance, photosynthesis.
Iron - Required for photosynthesis, component of enzymes utilized in redox reactions.
Magnesium - Component of chlorophyll, enzyme activation.
Manganese - Formation of amino acids, enzyme activation.
Molybdenum and Cobalt - Required for nitrate reduction.
Nickel - Enzyme activation, processing of nitrogenous material.
Sulfur - Component of proteins and the coenzymes that are involved with nutrient utilization and growth.
Zinc - Chlorophyll production, enzyme activation.
ChaetoGro does not contain phosphorus or nitrogen
Instructions
ChaetoGro will help establish water chemistry conducive to long-term chaeotomorpha health and growth, helping it to efficiently control unwanted nutrients in the system, such as phosphate and nitrate. Shake product well before using. Basic: For the first 2 weeks of use, add 5ml (1 capful) of product per 20 US-gallons of aquarium volume twice each week; increase dosage thereafter depending upon perceived nutrient needs of chaeto algae. When used in this fashion, 500 ml treats up to 2,000 US-gallons (7,600 L). Advanced: Daily dosing is recommended, as it maintains a more stable and natural environment than dosing weekly, in which nutrient concentrations spike just after dosing and then gradually decrease throughout the course of the week. To dose daily, add 6 drops per 20 US-gallons per day; adjust dosing volume after one week in accordance with appearance of algae and perceived need for nutrients. Important: Brightwell recommends the use of MicroBacter7 and Reef Bio Fuel or Katalyst to maintain proper carbon levels for the Chaeto, as well as proper bacterial function in the system. For proper Chaeto growth, Brightwell recommends that the hobbyist maintain a minimum of .01 ppm phosphate and 3 to 5 ppm nitrates in the reef system. If levels fall below these values, proper nutrient control will not efficiently occur. If the levels are low, use NeoPhos or NeoNitro as directed on their labels, as necessary to bring them up to the proper level.
