Newbie Questions

[skyedale]

I am in the process of cycling my first tank. I am getting a build up of scum crud over the last chamber of my sump. Is this normal. I have skimmed it off.

I suspect there isn’t enough motion in the sump chambers. It is a Fluval M90 and the sump is built-in. There are four cambers and none are removable.

Any suggestions as to how to stop the scum in the future? I can manually remove it, I just wondering if there is a way to prevent it? Is it a result of cycling?

On a positive note my ammonia is now on the way down to 0.25ppm and the nitrite is between 0.25ppm and 0 ppm based on the API Saltwater master test kit. I will test again today and see what the new levels are.

It was suggested that I not any livestock for a few weeks yet. Then I was told I need to add clean-up crew to start stirring up the sand to prevent problems from occurring in the sand base. Adding something to shift the sand makes sense, but with the water still being a bit “iffy” is it too early.

If I should add a CUC my question is which ones and how many. Tank is 35 gals.

Judi

 

[saltyphish]

Definitely want to wait for a cuc if your tank is not fully cycled. IMO for a cuc start off with some assorted hermit crabs, different snails such as nasarius, cerith, and turbo snails. The different diversity will give you something to watch as your tank continues to become stable. Make sure you add empty shells with the hermits otherwise they will prey on your snails for their shells. A emerald crab would also be a good idea.

 

[Chefbill]

And to stir or not stir the sand bed depends on a few factors. Shallow (SSB) or deep (DSB)? Will you be housing sand dwelling fish? What is the substrate? If you have a SSB, you can stir it, as long as you have stirred it from the beginning, I wouldn't stir an established bed. A DSB should NEVER be stirred, they are deep and layered for a reason.

Critter stirring is a bit different. A sand sifting star is a bad idea in all but the biggest established systems, otherwise they deplete the bed of too much microfauna. Nessarius snails are good, they only use the top inch or so, and fighting conchs are about the same.

 

[skyedale]

And to stir or not stir the sand bed depends on a few factors. Shallow (SSB) or deep (DSB)? Will you be housing sand dwelling fish? What is the substrate? If you have a SSB, you can stir it, as long as you have stirred it from the beginning, I wouldn't stir an established bed. A DSB should NEVER be stirred, they are deep and layered for a reason.

Critter stirring is a bit different. A sand sifting star is a bad idea in all but the biggest established systems, otherwise they deplete the bed of too much microfauna. Nessarius snails are good, they only use the top inch or so, and fighting conchs are about the same.

Substrate is Arag-alive Hawaiian black. Size is 0.25-3.5mm. Depth is 2.5 inches. Going forward my list includes, Blue/Green Chromis, firefish (if I can find a lid), cardinal, watchman goby & pistol shrimp. For corals I am looking at peaceful, play nice with others that are beginner friendly. I was thinking pulsing corals, feather dusters, I know I don’t want any anemone or clown fish. Of course this is just a list and up for revision.

I hadn’t given a whole lot of thought to the CUC. I know I need snails and crabs.

Judi

 

[Chefbill]

A CUC is not really necessary. What they're supposed to clean up is dead critters. They do not necessarily control your algae and stuff. That is your job as a tank owner. That being said they do have their place for control but not eradication. Nor do you need any crabs many people go snail only. This is because hermits with the possible exception of scarlet leg hermits will kill snails for their shells

 

[skyedale]

Thanks for the info. I suspect I am like all newbies, I want to see something in my tank. I think I will get a floating plastic jelly fish to keep me amused.

 

[Dastins]

Definitely want to wait for a cuc if your tank is not fully cycled. IMO for a cuc start off with some assorted hermit crabs, different snails such as nasarius, cerith, and turbo snails. The different diversity will give you something to watch as your tank continues to become stable. Make sure you add empty shells with the hermits otherwise they will prey on your snails for their shells. A emerald crab would also be a good idea.

I can relate to the crab/snail debacle