Dave & Monica
05/05/2006, 09:40 PM
Multiple Newbee Issues/Questions
I’ve read many threads before posting this and understand that initially, there will be brown, hairy algae growth. My concerns are with algae growth, my protein skimmer, and when to expand.
First, some info – The 70 gal tank has been up and running for almost three months. I bought the tank used so I had live sand and a clean up crew of 5 astral snails and 10 red hermit crabs. The tank cycled, I added three damsels, always use RO filtered water, and a two weeks or so ago did my first ~20% water change. Before the water change, I checked the parameters and Ammonia, Nitrites were zero and Nitrates were >10 mg/L. I gave it a week and visited my local LFS – I’ve had brown algae on everything for more then 4 wks now. They said the same as I've read, it’s normal. I asked about adding LR. He said my parameters were fine and it would be a good thing. So I bought some base rock and two nice pieces of Florida LR. Now after a week, the algae is still there and growing on the base and LR.
Should I wait until the algae goes away before adding anything new?
Should I add more clean up crew?
I'd add picts but can't seem to get them below 50K - agrrrrr
My protein skimmer (Sea Clone SCPS100) doesn’t seem to skim anything. I asked my LFS and they recommended not cleaning it, and ensuring that the air bubbles are fine sized. I tried it every which way and either A: There is nothing to skim as the LR is there but a week or B: something is wrong with the skimmer. Suggestions?
I want to add more LR, should I wait? I have one power head and the inlet from the sump. Should I have another power head for water movement? Appreciate your help.
I’ve read many threads before posting this and understand that initially, there will be brown, hairy algae growth. My concerns are with algae growth, my protein skimmer, and when to expand.
First, some info – The 70 gal tank has been up and running for almost three months. I bought the tank used so I had live sand and a clean up crew of 5 astral snails and 10 red hermit crabs. The tank cycled, I added three damsels, always use RO filtered water, and a two weeks or so ago did my first ~20% water change. Before the water change, I checked the parameters and Ammonia, Nitrites were zero and Nitrates were >10 mg/L. I gave it a week and visited my local LFS – I’ve had brown algae on everything for more then 4 wks now. They said the same as I've read, it’s normal. I asked about adding LR. He said my parameters were fine and it would be a good thing. So I bought some base rock and two nice pieces of Florida LR. Now after a week, the algae is still there and growing on the base and LR.
Should I wait until the algae goes away before adding anything new?
Should I add more clean up crew?
I'd add picts but can't seem to get them below 50K - agrrrrr
My protein skimmer (Sea Clone SCPS100) doesn’t seem to skim anything. I asked my LFS and they recommended not cleaning it, and ensuring that the air bubbles are fine sized. I tried it every which way and either A: There is nothing to skim as the LR is there but a week or B: something is wrong with the skimmer. Suggestions?
I want to add more LR, should I wait? I have one power head and the inlet from the sump. Should I have another power head for water movement? Appreciate your help.