Clueless new tank have brown algae everywhere what to do

wake49

I wouldn't add any of these supplements without testing for them first. That goes for the Coral-Vite, Magnesium, Calcium and Alkalinity. The Garlic is a great additive to use at feeding time. And I believe the Phytoplex is for filter feeders, such as clams and some types of corals. That is good to use per the instructions.

csago05

Have another ? When do I know the diatom bloom is completly done and it is safe to add my cleaning crews?

Like I said earlier I was going to add an algae attack pack and a detritus attack pack, I guess I just want to know if these are good ones and good amounts to add.

Algae Attack Pack

Scarlet Hermit Crabs 10
Mexican or Zebra Snails 20
Dwarf Red Tip Hermit Crab 35
Abalones 2
Court Jester Gobie 1
Lettuce Caribbean Nudibranchs 2
Emerald Mythrax Crabs 2

Detritus Attack Pack

Fancy Serpent Sea Star 1
Sand Sifting Sea Star 1
Sea Cucumber 1
Burgundy Sea Star 1
Fancy Serpant Sea Star, Red 1
Fancy Brittle Sea Star, Yellow 1


If this is not good for my tank overkill, underkill and I am open to any suggestions I really want this tank to do well and do well for years to come

csago05

anyone

wake49

That seems like too many crabs and WAAYY to many starfish for a 55 gallon. Are you doing reef? I ask this too field the Nudibranch question. A cucumber will probably starve in your tank, along with most of those starfish. No need for emerald crabs, and I have heard that abalones are hard to keep alive.

Test Alk, Calcium, pH, Nitrates, Nitrites, Ammonia and salinity. Post the results.

csago05

Yes I am planning on doing a reef tank. That is what I was told to get that is why I asked because it seemed like alot to me as well. If you have any suggestions on what I should put in there I am all ears because like my post says I am clueless. Was unable to find an alkalinty test kit have tried 4 different LFS.

P.H 8.4
Nitrate 0 ppm
Nitrite 0 ppm
Calcicum 400 ppm
Ammonia 0 ppm
salinity 1.24

Also when is it safe to put inverts in the tank?

Pasfur

Most LFS offer these clean up crews due to the huge profit margin. You don't need anywhere near that many critters. I'm thinking 5 snails & 10 hermits. Sit back and go from there if you need more.

Here is the Alkalinity kit that I use and where I order it from:
Alkalinity Pro Test Lab | Alkalinity Test Kits & Refills | Test Kits & Refills | Aquarium - ThatPetPlace.com

Yes, you can add a handful of inverts. Not corals, but some snails & crabs are fine at this point.

This is a good time to ask about your quarantine tank.

csago05

Okay I will throw a few snails and crabs in this weekend, and look in to that link for the alkalinty test kit. I do not have a quarantine tank, did not know I needed one.

I also have another question i was looking at a few things and came across sumps. It seemed to be a good idea just not sure how to go about it. I know I can build an over flow box and the sump tank itself, I guess my question would be can I use my magnum 350 canister filter as the return to the tank so I can still use my in line heater or would that be a bad idea.

Pasfur

I can not think of any reason why a canister would not work as a return. I have not tried this.

The use of a quarantine tank is almost a necessity in saltwater. You will very rarely meet a successful marine aquarist who does not isolate all newly purchased fish for a period of time before adding them to the display. The stress that marine fish go through makes them extremely susceptible to disease. It is impossible to observe a fish at an LFS and determine if it is healthy enough to skip quarantine. It simply can not be done.

Placing newly acquired fish in quarantine allows the fish time to rest and recover from the stress associated with capture and shipment. The fish finally is able to adjust to captive life and its new feeding routine. This period allows the fish to regain some lost weight and rebuild its strength prior to being placed into an established community of fish. This period of time also allows you to observe the fish for any signs of disease which were not visible at the LFS, thus protecting your display from infection.

For you, a simple 10 gallon tank, bare bottom, with a sponge filter or hang on filter would serve as an effective quarantine aquarium.