help needed

[SandDancer]

hi all , after talking to my local marine shop he told me it would be ok to introduce some fish to my new setup ( orca tl450 , been running for just over a week ) the tanks is 12gallon by the way . anyway before adding my 2 new black and white clowns all my water parameters were fine , now 2 days later all my rock is starting to get a covering of brown stuff and nitrate levels have hit the roof , is the brown covering normal , and any help would be great in getting my nitrate levels back to normal , regards karl

 

[TimSchmidt]

I would immediately do some water changes to reduce the nitrate. Live rock and sand will *help* keep the nitrate build up down. Mechanical filtration can help some too (sponges that are clean frequently or skimmers). But honestly two clown fish may be too much for such a young tank. Your best bet to ensure the health of your fish is water changes and don't over feed.

The brown stuff is probably diatoms and is normal in a young tank. Clean up crews help nicely, but it should clear up on its own.

 

[SandDancer]

ok thanks for the info my friend , i have just done a water change ( about a 3rd of the volume ) will post back later once i check levels again

 

[TimSchmidt]

You're welcome. There are nitrate sponges out there, I just haven't used any of them. If it gets too bad that may help in the short term to prevent fish death.