Barren Tank

[SMSHAPERO]

I have had this aquarium set up for several years. I moved a year ago and it has not been the same since. I had a hair algae problem. I borrowed a sea hare and that has been eliminated. There is no corralline algae and the rock flower anemone I had has disappeared. A picture and my test results are attached. I have a molly miller and several pencil urchins along with clean up crew. Not heavily stocked. I would like to add coral but am afraid to at this point. A little advice would be welcome. Thanks!

 

[Pickle_soup]

Looks like an ugly cycled tank. Not as bad as mine thou. That 10 nitrates tells me that you are pretty safe to add some life to it.

 

[SMSHAPERO]

Thanks. It is ugly.

 

[Pickle_soup]

Thanks. It is ugly.

I meant it's the ugly stage. You look pretty safe. I wouldn't do corals just yet, cause algae and bacterial blooms can kill them, but fish, it looks good to me. But never rely on the opinion of one person.

 

[Glenner’sreef]

Your water level is down. Is that due to no ATO? Do you manually top off evaporated water? It looks like a smaller tank. 15-25? Every chance you get to automate can help create stability. Zoomed in on your rock work. If you turkey basted them, would dirt go everywhere? Sand/gravel vac in my opinion is a must. Every 2-4 weeks. Urchins like coralline algae. Granted, they are cool. But not worth it if they’re being counter to your goals. Consistent monthly water changes (50%). A cleaner tank, trade in Urchins for a couple of Fire Shrimp. Invest in an ATO and the second 3 years will be far better than your first. Then go out and purchase those corals with no fear. Good luck.