Alge ID

[Dave Mrnak]

Hey guys tank has been up and running for a month. Added first 3 fish last week. Went on a trip and came home to this. Not quite sure what it is or how to fix.

I dont know my parameters. Im still getti g it checked every week until I learn what in looking for.

Thanks!

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Diatoms. Normal.
Let it ride

Congrats! There is life in the tank.

 

[Subsea]

Get some snails.

Welcome to r2r. Consider a tank journal so that before people comment, they can review your tank history instead of always asking the same questions.

Here is a good place for snails.

https://www.live-plants.com/

 

[Dave Mrnak]

Get some snails.

Welcome to r2r. Consider a tank journal so that before people comment, they can review your tank history instead of always asking the same questions.

Here is a good place for snails.

https://www.live-plants.com/

Ok I am om board with that idea completely! Thanks

 

[Subsea]

@Dave Mrnak

It looks like you are running bare bottom. What are you using for nutrient export?

At my stage in this hobby after 47 years, I focus on nutrient recycling and hopefully, I grow desirable things, like coral, which I frag & sell for nutrient export.

Just now, you are establishing a biological ecosystem that is cycling nuisance algae. In the ecology of a reef, algae would dominate if it were not for grazing herbivores. Get the janitors to do the job of cleaning up the mess with you being the Master Gardner. Since you are feeding fish, nutrients are entering the systems with nuisance algae as the consumer. Get janitors that reproduce to food supply and in so doing, their larvae feed filter feeders which includes coral. You should also introduce competition for nutrients by bringing in higher level macro algae or some hardy corals.

With a bare bottom tank, you are somewhat limited on recycling of nutrients and your maintenance requirements will be much more demanding, IMO.

 

[Dave Mrnak]

@Subsea I just tested my water.
Nitrate10
PH 8.5
Salt 1.020

I introduced:
6X Turbo Snails
6X Asteria Snail
11X Blue Legged Hermits.

I plan on introducing corals in about two weeks. Want to let my herbivores and 3X damsels adjust.

Would you suggest different grazers so they can produce larvae and feed my corals?

 

[Subsea]

Cerith Snails will multiply to food supply. Eventually the hermit crabs will wear the shells of your snails. I discontinued using hermits 20 years ago. Bristle worms are a good detrivore that will eat uneaten food and produce larvae spawn in your tank. Understand this about filter feeders, which includes coral. Differrent mouths eat differrent size food. Diversity in micro inverts contributes to the microbial loop that recycles nutrients into live food for your coral.

PS: If you don’t like bristle worms then get a serpent or a bristle starfish to clean up bottom of uneaten food. I like all three. My grandkids love the creepy things that come out when tank is feed.