Quick question.... I've searched the archives and haven't found anything regarding vaccumimg a DSB. I have this green mossy algae growing all over DSB and is now starting to climb onto rocks. I realize this is normal in a new tank but, is there anyway to control this. Even the Turbos I have are getting green stuff growing on them. Just curious if anyone has any suggestions or is it best just to wait it out. That is of course it'll go away. I'm using RO water and running my skimmer 24/7. Thanks.
The algae sounds like just natural stuff. The snails should get control of it. But, it would be best to know how long your tank has been up and what the #'s are.
As for vacuuming the DSB, it is not suggested. Most of the experts agree, and IME vacuuming leads to the removal of all the critters your trying to culminate. Perhaps someone with more exp. will give more advice, but, right now, I would say not to vacuum and the algae is normal.
Don't vacuum a DSB. I know its a pain but like stated it will destroy a lot of the life that is in there either from the LR or starter kits. The algae bloom is a sign of high nutrients, even if the test kits show no reading. The algae has locked up the nutrients in their cells thats why you get a false negative reading. A couple things you can do, very carefully siphon or remove the mats from the sand. Cut down on nutrient import, i.e. less food and skim heavily. If the tank is fairly new it is trying to acheive a balance. Reduced lighting for several days or no light for 2-3 days may help, depending on the photosynthic livestock you have.
Are you using a skimmer? what size tank and how old? Number of snails, etc
1) How long has tank been set-up
-The tank cycled about a month and a half ago. I used LR to cycle in april.-
2) How long ago did you add the MH
-The MH have been running since Jan. 2001-
3) What kind (how much) circulation do you have
-I have a Mag 1200 for return. My Goby can't just float in the water, he's gotta swim. (no water tornados either though)-
4) What size tank - and how many snails
-right now I only have 5 turbos for the 150 gal. Was gonna buy more but got tired of waking up every morning to find all the snails on their backs. (suggestions as to which snails don't need training wheels to stay up-right) -
5) Do you have any nassarius snails or mini brittle stars in you DBS
-The only snails I have are the turbos. I did purchase a brittle star from the LFS, but its not 'mini'. Not sure of the name, but its dark gray, with a circular disk shaped body with 5 legs.
Also, I still have not done a water change since cycling the tank, just added top-off RO water. What size water change should I do and will this help the algea growth. Also, I've been purchasing all my RO water to top off my tank. IS there a inexpensive RO Unit I can run at my house that will safe me trips back and forth to the store with 3 gal. jugs. Thanks.
I would definetly add more snails. I use astrea, turbo (a few that haven't drowned), and margaritas. I really like the margaritas because their small, inexpensive, and quite active. I know some of the others on the board have greater varities and they will, undoubtably, fill you in on the other details.
As for DI/RO units I don't use one so I have no exp.
All most forgot...I would suggest a 25% change. This should help reduce the nutrients in the water and increase the needed trace elements.
If I am reading this right you have a 150 gal tank with a mag12 return pump?
do you are an you add any other powerheads to increase circulation or change the retturns angle?
Definatly you need more snails. Lots of trochus and nassarius,at least one per gallon on tank that size
Hmmmmmmmmmm I am confused, you have a 150 but specs are as follows;
Topic: Cleaning Tank
bishop
Member
Member # 1061
posted 07-23-2001 03:34 PM
Canopy with 4 foot fluorescent electronic ballast and two (2) 175 watt
metal halides with 10k bulbs.
30 gallon all glass wet/dry filter
mag 1200 for return
Tornado protein skimmer w/RIO 2500
90 lbs LR
3" CC for SB
Well assuming that is correct A I suspect the skimmer aint up to task, B the wet/dry is cranking out nitrates faster the the LR can deal with it. At the very least I suggest a series of daily water changes, about 20 gal per day slowly so as not to shock inhabitents
Doug,
WOW, 20 gal. water changes DAILY!?! "at the very least" I've always known I'm gonna need more live rock in the future but, minister of finance says not any time soon. What do you mean by "skimmer isn't up to task,"? DO I need a new skimmer? Bigger pump? How long for the daily water changes,,,cause I can't do that for ever!!!
Sorry for the questions. The guy I bought the tank said, "you don't know what you've gotten into do you?".... boy was he right!!!
ALSO, How quick should I add the snails....How many at a time and how long should I wait in between. THANKS EVERYONE!!!
I would do the water changes for about a week, that should lower the N and PO4 levels
Snails can be added in large amounts, I have added 30 plus nassarius to my 75 with out harm. Alot more snails will definatly help
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