I've got a 10 gallon tank going with 10lbs of LR and 10lbs of live sand. It's been 3 weeks an the chemical cycle has completed about a week ago. I wanted to wait to see some algae or diatom growth before I put any bio load in but I was afraid the bacteria would run out of ammonia with nothing in the tank. Since no algae has been seen I didn't want to put snails on, they would have no food, so I bought 4 hermit crabs (blue and red legged) and plopped them in. The LFS are saying that I should get a fish now to keep ammonia going into the system and keep the bacteria growing. I don't want to commit to a fish yet since I only want one and I want this tank to mostly inverts. Any advice and what to do next. Why am I not seeing diatoms or algae? Do I need to make a move or can I just let it sit?
Need advice on new Nano
- Thread starter ianck
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At this point, the LFS's recommendation is to keep bacteria growth going with fish waste. It's the most common way, but it's not the only way. It's okay to simply feed your hermit crabs a pinch of flake/pellet food instead. Even if they don't eat it, the rotting food will sustain bacterial growth.
How much diatom algae you'll see depends on the silica content available for them. IMO, as long as you aren't adding any silica, diatoms (whenever you see them) should starve themselves out eventually. I don't believe it's something that you have to wait for, though I get that it's unsightly. I still think you'll see it eventually, but it's not a problem if you don't.
Should you wait for (non-diatom) algae, then? Play it by ear. I think you haven't seen algae growth because you have such a low bioload at this point. Honestly, it's going to be a balancing act once you add livestock. The first thing is to have a good source of RODI water. Whether this comes from the LFS or is something you make yourself, that's up to you. After that, just take it slowly. Adding too much livestock at once will throw the balance of your system off, and it'll take time for things to reach an equilibrium again. hth
How much diatom algae you'll see depends on the silica content available for them. IMO, as long as you aren't adding any silica, diatoms (whenever you see them) should starve themselves out eventually. I don't believe it's something that you have to wait for, though I get that it's unsightly. I still think you'll see it eventually, but it's not a problem if you don't.
Should you wait for (non-diatom) algae, then? Play it by ear. I think you haven't seen algae growth because you have such a low bioload at this point. Honestly, it's going to be a balancing act once you add livestock. The first thing is to have a good source of RODI water. Whether this comes from the LFS or is something you make yourself, that's up to you. After that, just take it slowly. Adding too much livestock at once will throw the balance of your system off, and it'll take time for things to reach an equilibrium again. hth
Dalmatia
Valuable Member
Get a couple of clowns, I know you want them? Who doesn't?? But ya they are really hardy fish and seems to me your ready for them!!!
If your ammonia starts to spike,,,, prime and skimmer on full, maybe even an air stone (will make lots of salt creep but better than losing your fish) that will help
If your ammonia starts to spike,,,, prime and skimmer on full, maybe even an air stone (will make lots of salt creep but better than losing your fish) that will help
