Cannot get my chaeto to grow for the life of me!

[DKoKoMan]

Hey guys,

I'm hoping people can share their experiences with growing chaeto in their sumps. What has worked well, what does not work and how I can get this darn thing to grow! I swear every time I look at a new piece of chaeto it starts falling apart in annoying strands.

I have scoured the web and thought I was meeting the basic requirements however I'm getting no growth. Today be red macro algae in my sump was attached to my chaeto and looked nasty. When I went to spin the ball it was more of a sad looking mat. I always hear about people trinming chaeto, so clearly I'm doing something wrong.

As of right now I'm utilizing Foz Down and my chaeto as my PO4 control. I have at this time discontinued the use of GFO, may reconsider in the future.

Any help would be appreciated.