My Nanocube 12 is settling in nicely. Coraline algae is begining to spread, assorted softies are "mostly" all open and looking "happy". (Yes, I'll stop being bad about no pics, I know that would help). 20% water change weekly, 77 degrees F. One day I noticed that that the brown algae had really took hold on glass and live sand. I dutyfully cleaned it all off to the temporary dismay of the polyps and did daily water changes of about 2 gal/day seemed to help. NOW I have world famous hair algae left in spots around the tank. Since my Nitratite and Nitrate levels are SO low, I'm guessing it must be a result of too much ambient light in the room. No direct sunlight, but very bright diffused light comes into the tank from morning until dusk. My lights are programed to come on at 4 PM and go off at midnight. I've fashioned a tank cover (not covering vents) and hope that may allow the "bad" algae to "go away". I do have two snails that hitch-hiked on my soft coral assortment and I hope they like hair algae! Tips appreciated.
Getting a grip on the "bad" algae
- Thread starter screebo
- Start date
Hi Reefman,
I exclusively use R.O. Water and have a couple snails (not sure what type except they have a nice crop of coraline algae growing on their pinky shells. The tank is fairly new, about 3 weeks running, all toxin levels nice and low. My only challenge is that I have to leave the tank "on it's own" for up to 4 days max at a time when I'm away. I don't plan to go too wild with delicate corals until it's well established. P.S. this is my smallest salt tank ever. My last marine tanks were 8 years ago when I had a 120gal reef (limited sucess) 120 gal Fish and LROnly, great sucess even with delicates like parots and Moorish Idols, and a 22 gal bubble anenome/clown combo that was tough because of the anenome's moving around the tank. Back then, equipment was a challenge and not nearly as sophisicated at now-a-days. I love the refugium idea and todays skimmers, ultraviolet and other nice hardware. I'm Sooooo tempted when I see nice bow fronts being set up
I exclusively use R.O. Water and have a couple snails (not sure what type except they have a nice crop of coraline algae growing on their pinky shells. The tank is fairly new, about 3 weeks running, all toxin levels nice and low. My only challenge is that I have to leave the tank "on it's own" for up to 4 days max at a time when I'm away. I don't plan to go too wild with delicate corals until it's well established. P.S. this is my smallest salt tank ever. My last marine tanks were 8 years ago when I had a 120gal reef (limited sucess) 120 gal Fish and LROnly, great sucess even with delicates like parots and Moorish Idols, and a 22 gal bubble anenome/clown combo that was tough because of the anenome's moving around the tank. Back then, equipment was a challenge and not nearly as sophisicated at now-a-days. I love the refugium idea and todays skimmers, ultraviolet and other nice hardware. I'm Sooooo tempted when I see nice bow fronts being set up
you will probably continue to have brown algae until the tank settles. that is fairly normal for new tanks. I agree with you on the refugium idea...especially with those nanocubes. Have you checked out MasterEr's nano? http://www.nanotank.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1688
that is bound to do somethin to you!
Good luck and welcome!
that is bound to do somethin to you!
Good luck and welcome!
Fabulous. Yes, I will certainly ask MasterEr to assist in designing my next interplanetary spacecraft. More than just a little innovative. I just knew this was a valuable hook-up the minute I found the web page. Thanks a million for your input. I sure wish I had more time to devote to the hobby. There is nothing but opportunity and what a great group of enthusiasts to be affiliated with. I'm gonna like it here! :cool1: