algae problem with new tank

Discussion in 'Algae' started by John Alston, Oct 20, 2008.

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  1. scenario1313

    scenario1313 Tassled File Fish

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    Just use RO for top off now. Mission is right no water changes yet. Let it cycle and I would just buy base rock and let it seed from your other rock. And hey its a lot cheaper.
     
    scenario1313, Oct 20, 2008
    scenario1313, Oct 20, 2008
    #11

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  2. missionsix

    missionsix Super Moderator Staff Member

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    During cycling you don't need to run the 10k(white light). If you turn it off (or remove if you have to) it will help you with the hair algae you are starting to see. Run the actinic(blueish/purple) bulb for now. And I would test your tap water for nitrates and phosphates. And use different water pending the results. I would actually highly recommend RO water(reverse osmosis).
     
    missionsix, Oct 20, 2008
    missionsix, Oct 20, 2008
    #12
  3. John Alston

    John Alston Astrea Snail

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    i also have a groth on one lr. it's about 1/2 inch in diameter and had a multitude of green "tentacles about 1/4 inch long with a red specs on the end of each. this "assembly" seems to be attached to a long white "neck" that retracts and extends. any suggestions as to where I could go to research this would be greatly appreciated.
     
    John Alston, Oct 20, 2008
    John Alston, Oct 20, 2008
    #13
  4. missionsix

    missionsix Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Sounds like a feather duster. Harmless filter feeders. They come in all different colors and sizes.
    Xtalreef
     
    missionsix, Oct 20, 2008
    missionsix, Oct 20, 2008
    #14
  5. John Alston

    John Alston Astrea Snail

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    my tap water has zero nitrates. i don't have a phosphate test kit but i will get one.
     
    John Alston, Oct 20, 2008
    John Alston, Oct 20, 2008
    #15
  6. John Alston

    John Alston Astrea Snail

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    thats fantastic .. so i do have something growing in my tank! will they multiply?
     
    John Alston, Oct 20, 2008
    John Alston, Oct 20, 2008
    #16

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  7. railroader46

    railroader46 Skunk Shrimp

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    There is no need to do any water changes at this moment. It wil just slow the cycle down. Ro/di is the best for water changes or top off. While cycling you don't need any lights to be on. And if adding new rock to a tank make sure you only use base rock only.
     
    railroader46, Oct 29, 2008
    railroader46, Oct 29, 2008
    #17
  8. cira030

    cira030 Fire Worm

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    yes those feather dusters will multiply by the dozens! they are all over my lr. i guess they are considered a substitute for coral... until you get coral... just to keep you satisfied i guess haha. they wont get much bigger though. the big ones are sold at pet stores. they are the rare ones. but yes the featherduster is a nice little hitchhiker! good luck with the tank!
     
    cira030, Oct 29, 2008
    cira030, Oct 29, 2008
    #18
  9. Av8Bluewater

    Av8Bluewater Giant Squid

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    Feed Sparingly – The number one source of phosphate in the aquarium is flake food. Cut back on the frequency and amount of food. Just a pinch once a day is sufficient for most adult fish. Remove any uneaten food promptly.

    That is if you don't want the algae.... if you get a lawnmower they'll love it. My Regal and Yellow tang would love to have that algae. They're picking at my brown algae all day long.
     
    Av8Bluewater, Oct 29, 2008
    Av8Bluewater, Oct 29, 2008
    #19
  10. tigermike74

    tigermike74 Panda Puffer

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    Hey your rock looks like my rock haha. Just let your tank do it's own thing naturally. Once it cycles completely and the nitrates reach 0, the algae should die off. Then siphon out the dead stuff when you do the first water change. Just remove the 10000K bulb, no sense in shortening the life of that bulb when it's not needed. Hold off on stocking the tank anymore, it will just add to the nitrates. :)
     
    tigermike74, Oct 30, 2008
    tigermike74, Oct 30, 2008
    #20
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