I actually just posted this on someone else's forum, So i think this forum would be suitble to have it has well
this isnt mine and was written by a member of a local forum near me. but it is defiently good reading
You are definitely on the up swing of the learning curve, Jonathan. Don’t worry you are not alone. It’s great you are willing to learn. So, here’s my two cents worth...
Few people know this, fewer people understand it and practice it. When setting up a SW tank the sequence of adding critters is critical to NOT having an algae outbreak. Because there is a very delicate balance between nutrient levels and normal algae growth and a literal algae outbreak, like out of control. It's the later you want to avoid of course. It doesn’t sound to me like you have the out of control incident.
EVERYONE reading this, please keep in mind there are so many variables in reef setups and in implementing a new system, that it’s nearly impossible to follow these rules and have the same success that I achieve. BUT, I seldom experience an algae outbreak beyond a small incidence which is normal. Think about it, you mix water, nutrients and light, bingo, you have the recipe for algae to appear. It seems to come from out of the blue and it does!
Ok, after setting up the system and getting water flowing, I’m going to assume you have the basics ie, sump/refugium, RO/DI water (zero ppm), substrate (Aragonite sand being best, crushed coral being the worst), live rock (LR), quality brand of salt, adequate lighting and circulation. The "cycle" has begun but weak and has a long way to go. The cycle is one of the least understood things that happens in our reef tank. People refer to their cycle as being finished or over or done. I’ve got news for them,
the cycle never ends! The Cycle is a never ending phenomenon. As long as you have life in your system the cycle goes on and on. The best explanation I’ve ever read on the cycle was written a few years ago by friend, Eric Borneman. It impacted my reef keeping to the point that I got permission from Eric to post it on my web site. I suggest everyone go, read it and learn. It can be found here -
the cycle
At this beginning point in our set up, is where many (most) reefers begin making mistakes. What do they do? They quickly get tired of staring into this beautiful aquascape and NOT SEEING any life (it’s only been a day or two), they begin to fantasize (indulge in daydreaming of something desired) about the beautiful fish they saw at the LFS. They want movement and they want it NOW!!! Their thinking goes something like this...
"Man, this is so beautiful, it just needs a fish or two and then it will be complete, at least for now. I mean, the water is crystal clear, everything looks good, I tested for Ammonia and got zero, I wonder if the cycle has happened. Maybe! I hope so because I want to get that cute little Nemo the LFS is holding for me. I can’t wait any longer. I’m going to go ask the LFS guy if my tank is ready”.
And what does the LFS guy tell him (without asking key questions)? Oh yeah, your tank is probably ready. Or something like that.
Scenarios like this happen countless times everyday and the hapless, thoughtless, uninformed reefer heads down the road of many unhappy returns!
I always tell my customers, the cycle is never over. You must at least go through the INITIAL sequence of an Ammonia spike and drop to zero, then a Nitrite spike and drop to zero,
and you must test the parameters yourself, not the LFS guy! You must SEE the sequence with your own eyes. After you see the sequence then you can begin adding critters. Now the sequence of adding critters begins...
The correct way to add critters in a new setup is to begin with a clean up crew (CUC), Blue Leg Hermits, Emerald crabs, snails etc. Corals can added at this time too. BUT no fish! Here’s why...
What do we need to grow algae?, water (we got), light (we got) nutrients (we’re getting in the form of LR, and bacteria die off, CUC waste, and food introduced to feed the CUC.) The ingredients are all there and the formula would look like this, W+L+N=algae. So, why can’t we add fish if we can add corals and CUC???
Good question! In the equation of W+L+N=algae you want the N (nutrients) to be a small n. Rewriting the formula like this W+L+n=less algae. Of all the possible critters we can add to our system the most nutrient producing are the fish. Fish consume the most food and produce the most waste. In the beginning you want to avoid this nutrient producer until your system has matured and that will take months.
If you have read Borneman's article referenced above you will already know your system will not be mature until the cycle settles down. Plus you will realize that every time you add a critter (especially fish) you are creating a new potential imbalance which your cycling bacteria must compensate for the additional BIO-LOAD. You literally could cause a MINI-CYCLE which could not only be the source of your algae but possible death of some of your critters whether they be coral, fish of whatever.
Patience and research are two key words for success in reef keeping. You want to be successful. I want you to be successful! There’s no fun in staring into a green soupy mess that you’ve spent thousands of dollars on. Do it in the right sequence and you will have greater success, sooner.
Why am I so sure of this??? Because in my 47 years experience exclusively with SW systems,
I’ve committed all the mistakes one can make while in the learning curve! You don’t have to because many have gone before you and reported on the speed bumps and radar traps ahead of you. What you have to do to avoid these and many other mistakes is research.
You are already doing the right thing by coming here and asking questions. Now, if you haven’t already done so, go read Eric’s article -
the cycle
As I said in the beginning, there are many variables but this should get you headed in the right direction. I can be reached here on the forum, at my facility or by toll free number 888 745-0449 or local number 772 979-0786. I’m happy to help.
Happy reefing.
Dick
