Ugly stage

[Scoobydoo]

How long does the ugly stage last?

 

[ectoaesthetics]

Really depends on the tank. But a number of factors will impact it. The amount of your rock that was dry base rock as opposed to old rock, if you used a bacterial product to kick start the tank, if the food you add is added consistently to provide a stable environment for microbial plaques to thrive on, original water quality... and luck

 

[supernanoguy]

How long does the ugly stage last?

On the quick side, 45 days? On the slow side, forever?

 

[Scoobydoo]

On the quick side, 45 days? On the slow side, forever?

Thank you

 

[thedon986]

I am two months into a transfer/upgrade. 33% of the rock was established two years, the rest brand new Marco. Dinos came along with the transfer and promptly set up shop in the bacteria barren sand. The new dry rock is just now starting to get good color and isn’t covered with hair algae/fuzz. I would say I’m looking at another month or two before the uglies really start to subside. It’s really going to be different with each tank. Keep your nutrients at detectable levels and establish a good routine for you tank. Find joy in the bright spots of the tank and try to look past the uglies as best you can.

 

[vetteguy53081]

How long does the ugly stage last?

At least a month. You can change appearance with simple method:

Blow loose and/or siphon as needed.
Reduce white light intensity a little
Add cleaner snails:
3 turbo snail
3 astrea
3 trochus
3 nerite
2 nassarius
6 blue leg hermit crabs

 

[Scoobydoo]

At least a month. You can change appearance with simple method:

Blow loose and/or siphon as needed.
Reduce white light intensity a little
Add cleaner snails:
3 turbo snail
3 astrea
3 trochus
3 nerite
2 nassarius
6 blue leg hermit crabs

Wouldnt i have a snail ptoblem then?

 

[vetteguy53081]

Wouldnt i have a snail ptoblem then?

These are reef safe cleaners/workers that will benefit your tank.

 

[Gtinnel]

Mine took around a year before I made it past all of the common algea issues. Although for me there were times in between the different outbreaks that the tank looked pretty good.

Or at least I'm hoping to be done with most algea issues but idk maybe I'm just on one of those good periods between outbreaks. Lol

 

[Waters]

Wouldnt i have a snail ptoblem then?

You really won't have "snail problems" like you do in freshwater tanks. In freshwater tanks snails can (and normally do) multiply until they reach plague proportions. In marine tanks, you will be wishing they would multiply lol.

 

[SteveG_inDC]

I contacted reef cleaners, told them my tank size, age (1 month), when I introduced fish, how much I feed, and then they told me how many and which snails to order. Totally different from what I would otherwise have ordered. I have to say, I don't love the look of hundreds of tiny snails crawling everywhere, but if I ever feel that they did their job well enough I could get a snail-eater and they'll be gone overnight.

 

[rimlessreefer954]

Ugly stages vary depending on the setup.

 

[Gup]

At least a month. You can change appearance with simple method:

Blow loose and/or siphon as needed.
Reduce white light intensity a little
Add cleaner snails:
3 turbo snail
3 astrea
3 trochus
3 nerite
2 nassarius
6 blue leg hermit crabs

 

[Gup]

I just don't want to be consumed with an invading legion of snails. can get other janitors but they will not be as effective. Are there any snails that can be controlled?

 

[polyppal]

How long does the ugly stage last?

ive been going through the ugly stage for 36 years

 

[vetteguy53081]

I just don't want to be consumed with an invading legion of snails. can get other janitors but they will not be as effective. Are there any snails that can be controlled?

These snails will provide management for algae, bacteria, uneaten food. Beneficial they are

 

[SteveG_inDC]

ive been going through the ugly stage for 36 years

LOL. You are too humble. Your current build looks awesome.

 

[SteveG_inDC]

These snails will provide management for algae, bacteria, uneaten food. Beneficial they are

I added a legion of snails to a newly cycled tank, mostly dwarf ceriths (really small, like pebble size) and they mowed down my diatoms like champs. Lots of stuff prey on them so they'll be easy to remove if/when they're no longer needed.

 

[StlSalt]

LOL. You are too humble. Your current build looks awesome.

I don't think he was talking about his tank. ;Hilarious

 

[southerntnreefer]

Photo is like 2 days ago. Im about 3. months in to this one being up. I consider myself to be in the ugly stage. No lights for first 2 months. added clowns at 1 month after fully cycled. saw some algae start from uglies, and added an army of snails. Then next up a week or so ago we added a fox, and bi color blenny, and an urchin. Cuc is doing well, and im not seeing anything concerning. Nitrates running low and phos in range. Cheato and carbon have been running since clowns came in. I think that may of helped keep nutrients down.

( Photo taken with Orange filter to cancel blue out)