Hi, I'm New =)

[Bentonb]

Hi, I literally just started my 10 gallon nano tank two weeks ago. I let it cycle for several days and then went out and bought a cheap damsel to make sure it was ok. Then ordered a cleanup crew and while I ordered the cleanup crew I opted in for a "mystery coral" which I received and it turns out it was a "leather toadstool coral" does anyone know anything about them? Its decent sized and the emerald crab seems to be cleaning the underside well. I feel like I'm not taking very good care of it... and I don't like that, I have a nice light so that's not an issue. Anyways, just wanted to introduce myself and let you know a little about my tank. I've got like 16 lbs of live rock and a hawaiin live black "sand" which is more like gravel bed, and lots of snails and hermit crabs and an emerald crab.. also a damsel and a clown fish. =)

 

[ritter6788]

Welcome!

What kind of lighting do you have over the tank? Are you testing your major water parameters?

Ammonia, Nitrites, Nitrates, ph, salinity, calcium, alkalinity,

 

[Bentonb]

The marineland 20 inch LED reef capable light, Last time I took my water into my local saltwater "store" more like a warehouse lol they checked out fine, but that was before I added everything. I plan on taking a sample in tomorrow just to be safe, My nitrates and everything should be fine, because the live rock has a nice amount of sea grass. Also I have a "cleaner clam" which supposedly takes out some nitrates?

 

[Young Frankenstein]

[video=youtube;JjQfgDaDdMM]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=JjQfgDaDdMM[/video]

 

[ritter6788]

I don't think the marineland lights are as reef capable as they claim to be. I've seen the specs and it doesn't sound like much light to me, even for lower light corals. Someone with more experience with them may chime in and help with that. If you're not doing your own testing then don't take the LFS word that your water parameters are "OK". I recommend buying your own test kits and testing for yourself. I've seen many times LFS will sell something to someone when their tank isn't ready but the numbers are "close enough". At least get the LFS to tell you what your parameters are so you can confirm it here or with someone not trying to sell you something.

 

[Bentonb]

Also, I'm not running a Protein Skimmer... Is it really necessary for just one coral at the moment?

 

[Dave3112]

Welcome! As for the leather coral I wouldn't stress about a skimmer or The lights right now, however I would plan on upgrading the lights and adding a skimmer in the future if you plan on other corals. As suggested I would get your own test kits and check your own water.

 

[ritter6788]

Also, I'm not running a Protein Skimmer... Is it really necessary for just one coral at the moment?

You can get by with a smaller tank and no skimmer but a skimmer sure makes life easier. If you do large frequent water changes then you can get by without a skimmer. It's always a plus on a reef tank though.

 

[BarbH]

Hello and welcome to r2r :welcome: Sound advice already given, would definitly pick up a test kit to be able to check for ammonia nitrites and nitrates, even a cheap one like API, which I know many people feel is not accurate will at least give you an idea of what is going on with your tank.

 

[k2parkstar]

Welcome to reef2reef good advice above! Thats the best things about forums. Tons of experience and knowledge for free, and its usually pretty sound advice since no one is trying to sell you anything! Enjoy this awesome hobby!

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Welcome to R2R! Thanks for joining and please make sure and post often!

 

[Mike&Terry]

Greetings and welcome to R2R. Lots of sound advice already given and definitely agree that some test kits are in order.

-M&T

 

[Steelerfan747]

Welcome aboard, I hope you enjoy and get everything you are looking for from the site. +1 on the advice already given

 

[Bentonb]

thanks guys, I went to the LFS today and had them test my water again and everything came out well and i purchased some phytoplankton for my coral and a test kit =) all is well

 

[Bentonb]

my leather coral is still kinda droopy though...

 

[ritter6788]

phytoplankton for my coral and a test kit =) all is well

Did they tell you phytoplankton was needed at the LFS? It's not needed for photosynthetic corals. Especially in a new tank with no skimmer you could be polluting the water and causing harm. I'd hold off on the phyto for now. Work on super clean water and probably upgrading the lighting.

 

[dmatt88]

Did they tell you phytoplankton was needed at the LFS? It's not needed for photosynthetic corals. Especially in a new tank with no skimmer you could be polluting the water and causing harm. I'd hold off on the phyto for now. Work on super clean water and probably upgrading the lighting.

+1^ solid advice. Phyto can and will make a mess of ur water.

........what, me worry?

 

[Bentonb]

yea they told me I should feed em phyto... so I did yesterday, no difference in the leather, but the one random soft coral that was a ride along seemed to like it... but looking at my glass I can see algae already starting to grow... great.... why would they sell me it if I didn't need it? I told them everything about my tank..

 

[ritter6788]

. why would they sell me it if I didn't need it

$$$

It happens in this hobby. Not saying your LFS is out to get you, some are just misinformed. Some are out to make money no matter what.

I've never added a drop of Phyto to my tanks in 4 years...well I did the same as you and was sold some by my LFS when starting out.