First time @ 3reef.

Discussion in 'Say Hello!' started by vbennett24, Apr 1, 2009.

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  1. vbennett24

    vbennett24 Plankton

    Joined:
    Mar 13, 2009
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    How's every one doin? this is my first time here..i just recently set up a 35 gallon hexagon salt water tank..i have a emperor 280 filter...i had the tank with water crushed coral and damsels running for about 3 weeks..i just recently added 30lbs of live rock..and i keep getting this algae build up all over the rock..it a brown color..i remove it every once in a while with a tooth brush..is this normal and should i be removing it??


    JazLyn...:wink3:
     
    vbennett24, Apr 1, 2009
    vbennett24, Apr 1, 2009
    #1

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  2. missionsix

    missionsix Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Normal brown diatom algae. You can greatly reduce/shut your lighting off. Run actinic lighting only. You are welcome to keep scrubbing it with a brush, but, it will grow right back. A little un-sightly and part of the cycling process.
    Welcome to 3reef!!!!!!!!!!!!
     
    missionsix, Apr 1, 2009
    missionsix, Apr 1, 2009
    #2
  3. trelane

    trelane Peppermint Shrimp

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    sounds like diatoms, they're normal and will disappear when the sillicates go down in the water. Welcome to 3reef and enjoy the April 1 hilarity!
     
    trelane, Apr 1, 2009
    trelane, Apr 1, 2009
    #3
  4. vbennett24

    vbennett24 Plankton

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    Thanks for the info...another question, i run an emperor 280 filter...do i need a protein skimmer, i was told i didnt because the impeller spins and creates bubbles, basically it acts as a protein skimmer...is this true???
     
    vbennett24, Apr 1, 2009
    vbennett24, Apr 1, 2009
    #4
  5. PJSATC86

    PJSATC86 Flamingo Tongue

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    Hey Welcome to 3reef
     
    PJSATC86, Apr 1, 2009
    PJSATC86, Apr 1, 2009
    #5
  6. steve wright

    steve wright Super Moderator

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    welcome to 3 reef

    Steve
     
    steve wright, Apr 1, 2009
    steve wright, Apr 1, 2009
    #6

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  7. JBL

    JBL Sea Dragon

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    Hello and welcome! As far as I am concerned, it does not act as a skimmer. Sure it creates some bubbles, but not enough to remove the protiens in the water. IMO, a skimmer is a worthy investment!

    Check out the protien skimmer section, as I have in the past too! Good luck!
     
    JBL, Apr 1, 2009
    JBL, Apr 1, 2009
    #7
  8. missionsix

    missionsix Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Not true......... That is not a protein skimmer. It's not a necessity, but, it all depends on what you are going to keep(fish type/coral type).
     
    missionsix, Apr 1, 2009
    missionsix, Apr 1, 2009
    #8
  9. Otty

    Otty Giant Squid

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    Welcome to 3reef :)
     
    Otty, Apr 1, 2009
    Otty, Apr 1, 2009
    #9
  10. qm2etchells

    qm2etchells Astrea Snail

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    Location:
    florida keys
    it depends on what your plans are for the tank. if you plan on having corals and what not then i would look into skimmers but if your going to just have a fish only then you would be fine with your water changes. welcome to 3reef by the way :) you will like it here there is tons of great info.
     
    qm2etchells, Apr 1, 2009
    qm2etchells, Apr 1, 2009
    #10