Help Newbeeeeeeeeeee

Conan187 · 02-02-2007, 01:00 AM

Im 3 weeks in to my 24 Gal. Aquapod....I like it so far have all my live rock in .....my Nitrate level is the only kind of high problem in my test around 40 on the test strip....i have an outbreak of this rust color algae on all over the rocks....goes away when the moonlights are on overnight but after work its back and on the glass too.....I purchased 3 hermit crabs (blue & reds) they seem to go at the stuff...should I get a clean up crew yet or wait for cycle to end.....should i just keep on busten out the manual Kung fu on the stuff til it goes away? also I didn't get the halide lighting tank but the compq florecents or what ever 3 guys at 3 dif shops said it should be enough for coral and stuff....is that right? should i wait a bit before i do my 1st water change?

saltwaterfarm · 02-02-2007, 01:04 AM

Welcome to RS...
What are your other levels testing? This will help someone determine your cycle...
And, yes the stock lights will be fine for lower light corals like some softies, shrooms, etc.

Conan187 · 02-02-2007, 01:05 AM

um nitrite is les than .5 amonia is 0 and pH is 8.3 or so

Conan187 · 02-02-2007, 01:06 AM

also i was thinking on picking up the light upgrade that puts 4 compq lights instead of the 2

sasquatch · 02-02-2007, 01:10 AM

Hi Conan! welcome to RS! how long is your photo period? small water changes never hurt, nitrates have to be exported somehow, what is your water source by the way? Steve

Conan187 · 02-02-2007, 01:14 AM

dumb arse used tap water with aquachem stuff now im gonna use ro water at the local water shop.

lgerold · 02-02-2007, 01:24 AM

Don't be too hard on yourself, these problems are common, and you are admittedly a newbie!

This film could be either diatoms (pretty common 3 weeks after set up) or cyano. In either case, the first thing to do is start with some water changes, using RO water. I'd suggest 10% every 2-3 days until you get the nitrates down to the single digits. The fact that you have some nitrItes means that the cycle is not over yet.

I'd run tests for phosphates and silicates, because one or both will also contribute to algae growth or diatom growth. If you don't have the tests, your LFS will run them for you free (at least they will if they're any good!)

I'd also suggest some astrea or turbo snails to help with the algae.

We're happy to help!

Conan187 · 02-02-2007, 01:28 AM

so i should start water changes now? I heard I should wait 'til the cycle is over. And it would be ok to put turbo snails in now? how many of these snails should i get? 24 g tank...

also my LFS sells salt water filters to some micron of some sort should i use that for my water change? my salinity is dead on right now so I wouldn't need to add salt or just water.

lgerold · 02-02-2007, 01:34 AM

With your nitrates at 40, I'd suggest doing small water changes. The bacteria that contribute to the cycle grow on the surface of the tank, plumbing, rockwork, and substrate, not substantially in the water itself. Water changes will reduce the nitrates which will help you get this problem under control. Large water changes should be avoided.

The snails should be able to handle the nitrates and nitrites fine - when fish stores cure live rock, it's pretty common for them to add snails to help clean the rock.

Conan187 · 02-02-2007, 01:37 AM

Thank you i will get started on that tomorrow afternoon. i turn on my blueish lights at say 630 am....then add the whites at say 730 am then turn off the whites at 630 pm and then th eblues at 730 pm any better way of doing this?

lgerold · 02-02-2007, 01:37 AM

I think it would be a good idea to check your tap water first before condemning the water that you have. Check it for nitrates, nitrites, phosphates, ph, etc. You may actually have suitable water out of the tap, or you could have horrid water. Once you know what is in your water, you can choose the right kind of RO or RO/DI unit.

Check out the sponsors here - they'll have more to choose from in filters. We can help you decide what's best, once we know what kind of water you have. For now, you can purchase RO water from your LFS.

I'd start out with maybe 6 snails for now...You can always get more.

lgerold · 02-02-2007, 01:38 AM

I'd recommend backing off on the whites for a bit. But, lets decide that after we know more about your water params.

Conan187 · 02-02-2007, 01:41 AM

well should i stop posting on the meet and greet now...ha..

how much does an ro unit usually run? I think i just put myself in debt with this damn tank lol I even sold my 50 gal with stand fluval and hood for $350 with asorted africans ive had for 5 or so years to upgrade this one.

thank you you have been very nice and not condicending at all...we all have to learn sometime and I am thankfull for your kind help......

saltwaterfarm · 02-02-2007, 01:42 AM

I would consider cutting back your photo period as well. 12 hours is a pretty long time, IMO.

saltwaterfarm · 02-02-2007, 01:45 AM

People here are not that picky about where you post... we want to help.

02-02-2007, 01:00 AM	#1 (permalink)
Conan187 Limpet Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Ca Posts: 126 View Gallery Karma Komment	Help Newbeeeeeeeeeee Im 3 weeks in to my 24 Gal. Aquapod....I like it so far have all my live rock in .....my Nitrate level is the only kind of high problem in my test around 40 on the test strip....i have an outbreak of this rust color algae on all over the rocks....goes away when the moonlights are on overnight but after work its back and on the glass too.....I purchased 3 hermit crabs (blue & reds) they seem to go at the stuff...should I get a clean up crew yet or wait for cycle to end.....should i just keep on busten out the manual Kung fu on the stuff til it goes away? also I didn't get the halide lighting tank but the compq florecents or what ever 3 guys at 3 dif shops said it should be enough for coral and stuff....is that right? should i wait a bit before i do my 1st water change?

02-02-2007, 01:04 AM	#2 (permalink)
saltwaterfarm Manta Ray Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Maryland Posts: 3,222 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Help Newbeeeeeeeeeee Welcome to RS... What are your other levels testing? This will help someone determine your cycle... And, yes the stock lights will be fine for lower light corals like some softies, shrooms, etc. __________________ Lisa 90 Gal AGA, DIY Sump/Fuge, Current Outer Orbit 250w MH's with T5's. AquaC Remora Pro Skimmer, RK2.[/font] Purple LTA, pair of Percula Clowns, Clams, Softies, Shrooms, Ricordea, Echinophyllia, Torch, Frogspawn, Blastos, Sponges, Acro, Wellso, the NEW Zoa Mountain, and some more stuff... 3 Gal Sexy Shrimp Pico. 29 Gal Oceanic BioCube, Current Sunpod 150w MH.

02-02-2007, 01:05 AM	#3 (permalink)
Conan187 Limpet Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Ca Posts: 126 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Help Newbeeeeeeeeeee um nitrite is les than .5 amonia is 0 and pH is 8.3 or so

02-02-2007, 01:06 AM	#4 (permalink)
Conan187 Limpet Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Ca Posts: 126 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Help Newbeeeeeeeeeee also i was thinking on picking up the light upgrade that puts 4 compq lights instead of the 2

02-02-2007, 01:10 AM	#5 (permalink)
sasquatch Brunt of all Jokes~ Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: the very farthest west coast of canada Posts: 8,917 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Help Newbeeeeeeeeeee Hi Conan! welcome to RS! how long is your photo period? small water changes never hurt, nitrates have to be exported somehow, what is your water source by the way? Steve

02-02-2007, 01:14 AM	#6 (permalink)
Conan187 Limpet Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Ca Posts: 126 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Help Newbeeeeeeeeeee dumb arse used tap water with aquachem stuff now im gonna use ro water at the local water shop.

02-02-2007, 01:24 AM	#7 (permalink)
lgerold Scopas Tang Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Brainerd, Mn Posts: 473 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Help Newbeeeeeeeeeee Don't be too hard on yourself, these problems are common, and you are admittedly a newbie! This film could be either diatoms (pretty common 3 weeks after set up) or cyano. In either case, the first thing to do is start with some water changes, using RO water. I'd suggest 10% every 2-3 days until you get the nitrates down to the single digits. The fact that you have some nitrItes means that the cycle is not over yet. I'd run tests for phosphates and silicates, because one or both will also contribute to algae growth or diatom growth. If you don't have the tests, your LFS will run them for you free (at least they will if they're any good!) I'd also suggest some astrea or turbo snails to help with the algae. We're happy to help! __________________ Lucy Upgrade from 125 long to 210 on 1/7/07. 66 gallon sump/refugium. 10 hrs of light: 500 watt pc actinic 10 hrs 400 watt pc daylight 6 hrs 500 watt MH 4 hrs 180 lbs branch liverock. 100 lbs + assorted liverock. 3"+ DSB. Fish - Foxface, Yellow Tang, Mimic Tang, 2 Tomato Clowns, pair True Percula Clowns (and their 6 inch pastel green carpet), Mandarin, Scooter Blenny, Bartlett's Anthias, Royal Gramma, Pseudochromis Splendens. Blue/Gold Crocea Clam, Teardrop Squamosa Clam Coral favorites include: 2 Acanastreas, Pink Cynaria, Green Cynaria, Birdsnest, Trumpets, Red and Pink and Green Goniporas (3), Frogspawn (peach favorite), Fox Coral, Diploastrea, Blasto, 3 Fungia (orange, purple, and green) and many others.

02-02-2007, 01:28 AM	#8 (permalink)
Conan187 Limpet Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Ca Posts: 126 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Help Newbeeeeeeeeeee so i should start water changes now? I heard I should wait 'til the cycle is over. And it would be ok to put turbo snails in now? how many of these snails should i get? 24 g tank... also my LFS sells salt water filters to some micron of some sort should i use that for my water change? my salinity is dead on right now so I wouldn't need to add salt or just water.

02-02-2007, 01:34 AM	#9 (permalink)
lgerold Scopas Tang Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Brainerd, Mn Posts: 473 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Help Newbeeeeeeeeeee With your nitrates at 40, I'd suggest doing small water changes. The bacteria that contribute to the cycle grow on the surface of the tank, plumbing, rockwork, and substrate, not substantially in the water itself. Water changes will reduce the nitrates which will help you get this problem under control. Large water changes should be avoided. The snails should be able to handle the nitrates and nitrites fine - when fish stores cure live rock, it's pretty common for them to add snails to help clean the rock. __________________ Lucy Upgrade from 125 long to 210 on 1/7/07. 66 gallon sump/refugium. 10 hrs of light: 500 watt pc actinic 10 hrs 400 watt pc daylight 6 hrs 500 watt MH 4 hrs 180 lbs branch liverock. 100 lbs + assorted liverock. 3"+ DSB. Fish - Foxface, Yellow Tang, Mimic Tang, 2 Tomato Clowns, pair True Percula Clowns (and their 6 inch pastel green carpet), Mandarin, Scooter Blenny, Bartlett's Anthias, Royal Gramma, Pseudochromis Splendens. Blue/Gold Crocea Clam, Teardrop Squamosa Clam Coral favorites include: 2 Acanastreas, Pink Cynaria, Green Cynaria, Birdsnest, Trumpets, Red and Pink and Green Goniporas (3), Frogspawn (peach favorite), Fox Coral, Diploastrea, Blasto, 3 Fungia (orange, purple, and green) and many others.

02-02-2007, 01:37 AM	#10 (permalink)
Conan187 Limpet Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Ca Posts: 126 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Help Newbeeeeeeeeeee Thank you i will get started on that tomorrow afternoon. i turn on my blueish lights at say 630 am....then add the whites at say 730 am then turn off the whites at 630 pm and then th eblues at 730 pm any better way of doing this?

02-02-2007, 01:37 AM	#11 (permalink)
lgerold Scopas Tang Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Brainerd, Mn Posts: 473 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Help Newbeeeeeeeeeee I think it would be a good idea to check your tap water first before condemning the water that you have. Check it for nitrates, nitrites, phosphates, ph, etc. You may actually have suitable water out of the tap, or you could have horrid water. Once you know what is in your water, you can choose the right kind of RO or RO/DI unit. Check out the sponsors here - they'll have more to choose from in filters. We can help you decide what's best, once we know what kind of water you have. For now, you can purchase RO water from your LFS. I'd start out with maybe 6 snails for now...You can always get more. __________________ Lucy Upgrade from 125 long to 210 on 1/7/07. 66 gallon sump/refugium. 10 hrs of light: 500 watt pc actinic 10 hrs 400 watt pc daylight 6 hrs 500 watt MH 4 hrs 180 lbs branch liverock. 100 lbs + assorted liverock. 3"+ DSB. Fish - Foxface, Yellow Tang, Mimic Tang, 2 Tomato Clowns, pair True Percula Clowns (and their 6 inch pastel green carpet), Mandarin, Scooter Blenny, Bartlett's Anthias, Royal Gramma, Pseudochromis Splendens. Blue/Gold Crocea Clam, Teardrop Squamosa Clam Coral favorites include: 2 Acanastreas, Pink Cynaria, Green Cynaria, Birdsnest, Trumpets, Red and Pink and Green Goniporas (3), Frogspawn (peach favorite), Fox Coral, Diploastrea, Blasto, 3 Fungia (orange, purple, and green) and many others.

02-02-2007, 01:38 AM	#12 (permalink)
lgerold Scopas Tang Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Brainerd, Mn Posts: 473 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Help Newbeeeeeeeeeee I'd recommend backing off on the whites for a bit. But, lets decide that after we know more about your water params. __________________ Lucy Upgrade from 125 long to 210 on 1/7/07. 66 gallon sump/refugium. 10 hrs of light: 500 watt pc actinic 10 hrs 400 watt pc daylight 6 hrs 500 watt MH 4 hrs 180 lbs branch liverock. 100 lbs + assorted liverock. 3"+ DSB. Fish - Foxface, Yellow Tang, Mimic Tang, 2 Tomato Clowns, pair True Percula Clowns (and their 6 inch pastel green carpet), Mandarin, Scooter Blenny, Bartlett's Anthias, Royal Gramma, Pseudochromis Splendens. Blue/Gold Crocea Clam, Teardrop Squamosa Clam Coral favorites include: 2 Acanastreas, Pink Cynaria, Green Cynaria, Birdsnest, Trumpets, Red and Pink and Green Goniporas (3), Frogspawn (peach favorite), Fox Coral, Diploastrea, Blasto, 3 Fungia (orange, purple, and green) and many others.

02-02-2007, 01:41 AM	#13 (permalink)
Conan187 Limpet Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Ca Posts: 126 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Help Newbeeeeeeeeeee well should i stop posting on the meet and greet now...ha.. how much does an ro unit usually run? I think i just put myself in debt with this damn tank lol I even sold my 50 gal with stand fluval and hood for $350 with asorted africans ive had for 5 or so years to upgrade this one. thank you you have been very nice and not condicending at all...we all have to learn sometime and I am thankfull for your kind help......

02-02-2007, 01:42 AM	#14 (permalink)
saltwaterfarm Manta Ray Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Maryland Posts: 3,222 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Help Newbeeeeeeeeeee I would consider cutting back your photo period as well. 12 hours is a pretty long time, IMO. __________________ Lisa 90 Gal AGA, DIY Sump/Fuge, Current Outer Orbit 250w MH's with T5's. AquaC Remora Pro Skimmer, RK2.[/font] Purple LTA, pair of Percula Clowns, Clams, Softies, Shrooms, Ricordea, Echinophyllia, Torch, Frogspawn, Blastos, Sponges, Acro, Wellso, the NEW Zoa Mountain, and some more stuff... 3 Gal Sexy Shrimp Pico. 29 Gal Oceanic BioCube, Current Sunpod 150w MH.

02-02-2007, 01:45 AM	#15 (permalink)
saltwaterfarm Manta Ray Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Maryland Posts: 3,222 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Help Newbeeeeeeeeeee People here are not that picky about where you post... we want to help. __________________ Lisa 90 Gal AGA, DIY Sump/Fuge, Current Outer Orbit 250w MH's with T5's. AquaC Remora Pro Skimmer, RK2.[/font] Purple LTA, pair of Percula Clowns, Clams, Softies, Shrooms, Ricordea, Echinophyllia, Torch, Frogspawn, Blastos, Sponges, Acro, Wellso, the NEW Zoa Mountain, and some more stuff... 3 Gal Sexy Shrimp Pico. 29 Gal Oceanic BioCube, Current Sunpod 150w MH.

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