Feedback on Developing Tank

[jps1981]

Hey, guys. I was wondering if I could get some feedback on my aquarium (picture). I am pleased with the overall health and development, but the growth on the rocks and sandbed seems off. I haven't seen any pictures of saltwater tanks that are so ... well, ugly. I am sure it's healthy, but it'd be nice if it was more pleasing to the eye.

Thanks in advance for your time. I appreciate it.



Some details just in case it's relevant - It's a 9 month old 30g FOWLR, started with dry rock. 2 months ago I had to break it down completely and rebuild it because we moved houses. I changed the sandbed from actual sand to this coarser argonite because of some sandstorm issues. The light is a standard 30" fluorescent strip light and not specially for aquariums, probably causing the uneven growth? The levels are great, checked monthly. 7g water change every 2 weeks (RO water from LFS). Trace elements added every 2 weeks, filter changed regularly, 450g wavemaker, no skimmer, no sump, etc.

The occupants are basic - blue reef chromis, 2 oscellaris clowns, a firefish, a pistol shrimp, and 4 snails. Fed frozen food from LFS - Roughly 1/6th teaspoon at night.

We're not terribly wealthy so I am a bit restricted (light quality, cheap fish, no skimmer, etc) but I think my wife would be forgiving if an upgrade would improve the curb appeal of the tank. We both really love the tank and hobby.

 

[melypr1985]

So that looks like cyano bacteria to me. You dont really want that growing at all in your tank. What are the nutrient levels in your tank? with exact numbers please?

 

[Blue Lip]

Chemi-clean works great at getting rid of this.

 

[jps1981]

So that looks like cyano bacteria to me. You dont really want that growing at all in your tank. What are the nutrient levels in your tank? with exact numbers please?

I don't test for nutrient levels. I figured it wasn't important since there wasn't any reefs. I just use the basic tools - the saltwater master test kit, thermometer, and a hydrometer. Looks like I made a mistake.

Chemi-clean works great at getting rid of this.

I followed this guide just starting out. I didn't react much to the general ugliness of things because it says it's normal, and part of the development. All the diatoms are gone, but I haven't seen any hairy algae, so I figured I was at "Stage 5: Cyanobacteria: Cyanobacteria will now begin its course. Again you will let the slime just do its thing. This will be the nastiest of the stages. Cyanobacteria can gross some people out, especially if they catch a whiff of it. It is best to leave it be. It will start to clear up eventually. The clearing of the slime makes way for yet another stage."

Have I made an error (other than not testing nutrient levels)?

 

[melypr1985]

That guide is a great one. I guess I was concerned because you mentioned the growth wasn't even and you wanted a way to even it out? I may have read that wrong.

Anyway, keep up with your water changes.... and wait it out like the guide suggests. If it doesn't go away then you may have a nutrient problem you need to address. Increasing flow in the center of your tank may help speed the process some as well.

You should be using that master test kit.... this is what i was referring to when I asked for levels. I apologize, i wasn't specific.

 

[jps1981]

That guide is a great one. I guess I was concerned because you mentioned the growth wasn't even and you wanted a way to even it out? I may have read that wrong.

Anyway, keep up with your water changes.... and wait it out like the guide suggests. If it doesn't go away then you may have a nutrient problem you need to address. Increasing flow in the center of your tank may help speed the process some as well.

You should be using that master test kit.... this is what i was referring to when I asked for levels. I apologize, i wasn't specific.

As far as levels go, they've always been pleasing. ph between 8-8.2, and dosed to raise it every 2 months. Ammonia/Nitrites at 0. Nitrates fluctuate, obviously, but the average is in the low 20's. The salinity is always safe. I keep RO salt and fresh water and alternate them for refills as needed. I just recently started looking into what trace elements might be missing from my tank. I know my LFS uses Red Sea salt in the water they hand out, which does have the main 3. I started using Kent Marine Essential Elements as directed on the bottle to cover the rest.

Well ... I've had a good light in my Amazon cart for about 6 months (Stingray something or other) - I guess it's time to stop procrastinating that. The water current is weaker than I'd like. There's a story behind that involving paranoia induced by a faulty powerhead. Adding more current is an inexpensive fix. I will do that, as well, and that should help disperse things away from the center.

I want to thank you again for your time. This is helped me make some decisions, and given me some peace of mind.

 

[Blue Lip]

I think cyanobacteria likes a certain magnesium level. Whenever I have low levels & start to raise it cyanobacteria appears. As I continue to raise the magnesium, it will disappear.