Just a couple basic newbie questions

PaulKlug · 08-24-2005, 09:26 AM

I have my 125 gallon tank cycling with about 90-100 lbs of live rock and 40 lbs of hirocks. It has been cycling for about 2+ months. Im starting to get some brown dust looking algae and a bit of green algae on a couple rocks but very little. I think this is just part of getting a tank established and happens after cycling? Is this correct. I did a 20 gallon water change last week and am doing another one today oo tomroow, with ro/di of course

. Hopefully two 20 gallonwater changes next week. My reading are ammonia 0 and nitrate less than 20. I will do another test after the next water change. Can i get some inverts to start cleaning the live rock as it is getting uglier lookin. I think I am going to go with a bunch of turbo snails. Is there a certain kind I need to get and which ones are best. Also I want to get some hermits, but would like them to stay small and not kill the turbos atleast all of them. I know it happens but what are the best type of hermits. I think i remember some sort of blue hermits but what are the ones that stay small? Also if you have any other recomendations for cleanup crew please add them.

Thanks
Paul

Doug1 · 08-24-2005, 09:29 AM

You might get a hold of Spanky at Keys Critters, he can prolly hook you up with a cleaner package

PaulKlug · 08-24-2005, 09:36 AM

Yeah i really would like to do business there but I don't/can't spend the 100 dollars max right now. wish they would do a 35-50$ order.

Viv · 08-24-2005, 09:46 AM

You can buy individual critters, but the better way is probably to call and see what they can do for you! They could probably lead you in the right direction if nothing else...its always worth trying.

Doug1 · 08-24-2005, 09:49 AM

If they arent shipping smaller lots, see if you can get another local reefer or two to split an order with you

PaulKlug · 08-24-2005, 10:11 AM

I dont know any other local reefers besides my friend who doesnt need anything right now. Are there any other online places that you can order smaller lots that is still quality. Anyone ever get Key critters to send a smaller order, say around 50$? Any other advice on the inverts im getting?
Paul

ski1297 · 08-24-2005, 10:13 AM

Go to pet world in brookfield and get some turbo snails they have them for $1.99. you may want to get some dwarf blue leg hermit crabs. If you get the crabs from pet world look at the legs. the people at pet world do not know a lot. They told me flat worms were good!

PaulKlug · 08-24-2005, 10:45 AM

ski1297 what area you from??? also what LFS do you usually use.

ski1297 · 08-24-2005, 10:53 AM

I live in pewaukee I go to all of the lfs in milwaukee and waukesha. I like to shop around I do not like to spend to much $$. But one I like a lot that I just found is Hoffers Tropic Life Pets. They have lots of every thing. Very cool store. Any ? just ask or pm, this is the only place I get to talk fish I do not know any one with a fish tank its so sad.

PaulKlug · 08-24-2005, 11:05 AM

You go to "The Fish Store" in downtown waukesha? Hoffers is really cool place i agree. But they are very expensive compared to smaller places. atleast in livestock. Pet world seems liek they do not know what they are talking about. glad to know someone around here on TRT
Paul

ski1297 · 08-24-2005, 11:31 AM

I love the fish store I would say 80% of my tank is from there even my tank and stand. I want to save money so I try to shop around.

PaulKlug · 08-24-2005, 11:35 AM

haha thats funny. My buddy works there and Im good friends with Dan the owner. Use to play cards with him all the time. I usually find the cheapest price I can and ask him if he can beat it or atleast come close to matching it. If he cant then I buy elsewhere, but my businnes always goes to him first. Paul