Newest photos, and questions

Did you measure your tank parameters during the rock cycle? How stead is your Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate. Usually after a new tank cycles you have a large algae bloom. Not seeing that scares me

J

 

You see the photos, I've only been cleaning the glass for cosmetic purposes. There is no algae.

Yes, I monitored the water, daily during the rock cycle. (I was even afraid to add sand) Right now, everything is good, and it's been 6 weeks. There were the normal spikes expected with a new tank. Did I process the tank long enough? I just added fish last week, 3 chromis, one clown, one goby. The crabs were added a week before that. NitrAtes are elevated, but not in the concern area. I have NO algae, none, nada, nothing. I thought I was doing something good. Should I raise my temp? It's about 80° F. Perhaps raising that might encourage it. Plus, I only have my lights on about 4 hours. Perhaps running them longer, and additional temps might encourage algae. Also, the T5's might be beneficial.

 

Cool pics, thats weird that you never got any algae. Luna

 

I wouldn't raise your temp. I would begin to get your lighting up. I'm assuming you have PC lighting. there would be no harm in running them for 8 hours a day. Photosynthesis is a very important part of an aquarium. It help produce O2 for your fish.

J

 

What's PC lighting? My lighting is what came with the tank. It certainly isn't 'optimal' lighting. I do know I'll have to upgrade eventually. I guess eventually is sooner than I thought. $$$

 

At what point in the process would you expect algae?

 

PC lights are a type of florescent bulb that has 2 skinny bulbs per socket. Most standard aquarium kits come with these lights

J

 

This is what I have, the standard aquarium lights that came with the tank. I do know I have to upgrade, soon. That's my next expense, but, I'll bet it's not nearly as expensive as live rocks ....

Getting back to the lack of algae.... What about this? Why don't I have algae?

 

I would guess it's because your lights have only been on for 4 hours a day. Once you increase the time you will see algae. Maybe enjoy it while you can LOL (just joking)

J

 

i have two pajamas at home. they are real cool get along well with my clowns. my banggiis are a sad story. they were captive bread (which you want cause there could be a chance they wont eat if caught from the wild).
well my banggis got to close to my anemone and were eaten by him. they are hardy but stupid