Need advice, newbie.

Hi
I just started a salt water tank. I bought a 29gal biocube and I am using everything in it, but added a heater, the biocube protein skimmer, and a uv sterilizer. For the protein skimmer, I took out the filter.
I bought live rock and live sand. I know the mistake, but I used was tap water but used water clarify products for the water.
I have two blue/yellow damsels, two hermit crabs, and two snails. I had this running so far for three to almost four weeks. Well, just a few days ago, I had noticed yellow/tan colored on the top of sand. and also a few spots on the rock. The water looks great, and I been testing my water daily. My ph is low, maybe a 8.0.

Well I feel like there is so many articles out there, with so many different opinions to having a saltwater tank. There is also a lot of different chemicals out there. I just do not know which ones are the best. I just want to buy the best products but not to have a hundred different kinds. Also same thing with equipment.
I am just so confused at this point, and I know this is a slow process. Can anyone please offer me some good idea, for me as a newbie to easily understand. Such as what is going on with my sand/rock? What equipment is best and chemicals?
Thanks so much!
Jillian

 

Most likely diatoms. And it is recommended you do not cycle a tank with living animals in it.

 

Are you using test strips? if you are i'd take it to the lfs and get it tested. and how frequent are your water changes? they need to be 10-20% every 1-2 weeks, depending on your livestock and corals.

 

I agree that your most likely seeing *Diatoms*. About Brown or Golden Diatom Algae - What Makes Brown Algae Grow and Solutions for Eliminating This Problem in Saltwater Aquariums

Best advice I personally can give you is this. Research research research. Be specific with your questions. Or else your going to leave yourself open to way to many opinions. Do not do anything quickly with your tank!! Patients in the hobby is #1 and without them it will cost you. Having said this here's what you need to do first.

Create yourself a Tank Thread here. I'll personally subscribe to it and follow you along. Keep us informed on your tanks progress. This way we can better help you with the more common do's and don'ts.

Get a good liquid test kit for~Calcium, Alkalinity, Nitrates, Nitrites, Ammonia and PH. Or take a water sample to your local fish store (LFS) and come back here and give us the results

Jillian, there is a lot of info out there that can be way overwhelming. But your not alone