All set up but what next?

[Reefdiver77]

I have set up a new aqua reef 300 tank as my first marine. I have upgraded and added equipment to give what I am told the best possible start.

Aqua One Aqua Reef 300 with weir and sump.
Bubble Magnus skimmer
2 x reactors
4 wave makers
Wave controller
Auto top up
Newjet 3000 return pump
120lb live sand
120lb Fijian Live Rock
3 x 10k white t5
1 x marine blue t5

Salinity 1.025
Ph 8
Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Temp 77

Running for two weeks total
System running one week water and sand
Added live lock for second week
Reactor one has carbon and phosphate
Reactor two has marine bio pearls

Live rock has much brown algae and on glass some dark purple hair type algae beginning to grow, I have had not spikes in ammonia or nitrite salinity and ph constant. Special blend and new tank stabilization added since day 1 as per manufacturers dosage.

My questions are as follows

1. Is the brown algae normal and do I need to do anything about it?
2. Should it be cycling if so what do I do to kick start?
3. Should I be checking any other parameters yet?
4. Should I make any alterations to the setup, how did I do?
5. Is it time to start adding inverts , coral or fish slowly if so what order?

Thanks in advance for help it will be much appreciated, I want to get this right for the livestock not for my viewing pleasure!

Reefdiver77

 

[Reefdiver77]

Sorry about the upside down pic don't know what happened there!

 

[Mike J.]

Your tank looks great. In this short of time I doubt your tank has cycled. You did not include the nitrate results. Without a nitrate reading there is no way to know if the tank is cycling. Wish I could help more, but sure is a great looking tank.

 

[Reefdiver77]

Sorry yes nitrate is 4ppm and phosphate is 0.08

 

[Mike J.]

This is going to be a judgment call on your part. I'd really like to see a higher nitrate reading, but since you are actively reducing nitrates with bio pearls and a good skimmer chances are you have a small cycle and I would start adding a cuc - over a period of a few weeks.

 

[Reefdiver77]

Also iodide reads less than 0.01 combined iodate and iodine reads with a colourless result

 

[Duffam3434]

Thats a Great Start!! If you were going to add fish I would just toss a Damsel in.. Nothing to spendy to start with. Keep up with Updates I Love seeing peoples progress with there tanks!

 

[Reefdiver77]

Calcium is 410ppm
Alkalinity meq/l 2.7 DH 7.6
Magnesium is 1300ppm

 

[Reefdiver77]

Thanks for the help. Just so you know ammonia and nitrite have never read any differently, always 0? Is this normal?

 

[Zero Nitrates]

Nice set up! You might throw some fish food in there to make sure it is cycling.
Have fun reefing!

 

[Reefdiver77]

This is the purple/red type hairy algae starting on just this one rock

This is the brown algae pretty much on all rocks some on glass and sand

This is one rock near to top completely different green algae with some purple

Is all this ok at the moment?

 

[shovelrider]

The green/ brown is normal for a new tank, the purple/red type hairy algae is cyano, you need more flow to that area.
Your tank is currently cycling if you want to help the bacteria populate faster add some crabs and snails, then a fish or two, taking your time. You can also use a product called Bio-spira or the like to boost bacteria growth so you can add a couple fish right away.

Do not add damsels!! IMHO, they are aggressive or will be eventually.

Most importantly, are you using RO/DI water for your tank, if not get one fast and replace all non RO/DI water.

Great setup by the way! Looking good for your first marine tank. Good luck!

 

[Reefdiver77]

The green/ brown is normal for a new tank, the purple/red type hairy algae is cyano, you need more flow to that area.
Your tank is currently cycling if you want to help the bacteria populate faster add some crabs and snails, then a fish or two, taking your time. You can also use a product called Bio-spira or the like to boost bacteria growth so you can add a couple fish right away.

Do not add damsels!! IMHO, they are aggressive or will be eventually.

Most importantly, are you using RO/DI water for your tank, if not get one fast and replace all non RO/DI water.

Great setup by the way! Looking good for your first marine tank. Good luck!

Thanks for the advice I will increase flow to that part of the tank.

I am already adding a bacteria additive called Special Blend.

All water was LFS bought RO water and salted myself.

TBH Damsels weren't on my wish list anyway so would rather not add if I can help it.

CUC seems to be the next step then?

 

[Mike J.]

Yup. I'd say go for it slowly. Siphon the Red Slime Algae out without blowing it around. Like with a turkey baster.