Didn't expect that!

This is my first post on a forum...any forum, ever...so if I get out of line just let me know. I've been lurking and reading what you guys write for a while now, and it has been great to let me know what's in store!

I have had a tropical tank for about 6 months now, only got it to make sure that I would stick with the tank maintenance that is required for the marine tanks. My wife gets sick of the addiction, since every time I have a day off I try to drag her to some LFS to see what's new.

Well a few weeks ago I took the plunge and bought a small Solana 34. I went for it since it has the overhead MH lighting and no lid. I added 38 lbs of rock, waited two weeks, and all I saw was a rise in Nitrates, not much of anything on the ammonia or nitrites. Then a week ago I added a couple of raw shrimp. Same thing all week, ammonia and nitrites stay 0, but nitrates have risen to 15. Two days ago I noticed that I have what I assume are copepods all over the place too. I've been cycling the tank at 80, and plan to lower it to 78 once I'm ready for the clean up crew. I've had some green algae for about 10 days, and quite a bit of brown for just a little longer.

My big surprise came when I went to take out the shrimp tonight so that I could turn my skimmer on...wow!!! That was the nastiest goo that has ever fallen apart in my hand! Once it went flying I knew it was a problem! Other than grabbing the chunks I can is there anything other than leave it for a soon coming clean up crew that I can do?

 

turn on the skimmer, thats all and dont worry about it, the copepods and hitch hikers will eat some of that goo im sure.

 

That's what I figured...being the newbie I just wanted to make sure. Thank you!

 

Jhanson
welcome to 3 reef

bacteria will develop, increase in numbers, and deal with that goo you have in your tank
the time it takes varies from tank to tank
my opinion - remove what you can, if you want, leave the rest and monitor your levels

Its not going to be a problem IMHO - your tank will cycle a little quicker with this additional food for the bacteria, they will increase in numbers faster


Steve

 

And now would be a good time for a small fish if you wanted to. But only if you are a fan of the fish you are getting. Damsels IMO are the only ones that are suitable right now. I am a fan of the yellow-tail for a few reasons. I like the coloration and they eat bristle worms. I like things in my tank that can perform extra credit.

Your numbers are looking great. Your tank is still not cycled, you still have your diatom bloom to get through, but that will pass. The green algae will pass as well. If you were showing ammonia and nitrites, I would suggest that you turn off your skimmer until the cycle is done, but I think you are fine leaving it on. I would, however, only run actinics for the next month or so. That will limit the spectrum of light thus limiting algae growth.

Your LR is doing very well!!!!! Mine did the same thing (in a way). I ran very low ammonia levels and never had any detectable nitrites. Live rock helps a lot.

Now.....I want you to go slow, slow, slow. I wouldn't add any corals for at least a month after the cycle ends. Let the tank mature a bit before you put those in. And no anemones. You have to wait quite awhile before even considering one of those. Some say six months, some eight. Most a year. Some refuse to keep them at all. If they die in the tank, they tend to take the tank with it.

Also, be wary of nudis and sea-cucumbers. Sea Apples are beautiful but can destroy a tank as well if set off. I am a fan of Sea Apples. I have one myself (it is my way of living on the edge). Your tank needs to be Uber mature and stable to consider one of those also.

When adding fish, do not add more than one every 10 to 14 days. Let the bacteria count catch up. And when you get fish.....as you probably already know, you do not need to feed more than two or three times a week. I have seen people feed their tanks twice to three times daily. And that's fine if the tank can keep up with the nitrate production, but most cannot.

OK, I rambled. Sorry. Have fun and enjoy!!!!!

 

Thank you for the great info and suggestions. Being such a small tank, I assume that it can only handle about 3 fish or so...and like so many others I had to appease my wife by agreeing to a clown!

How soon is too soon to add a small clean up crew? I would like too add a couple of crabs and snails.

Any suggestions on a shrimp? I like the fire shrimp but between the stories of them attacking tankmates and hiding I figure it wouldn't be my top pick anymore.

 

Hi J Hason - 34 gallon ? 1 inch of fish to 4 gallons I believe is general guide in saltwater
thus you can have up to 8 inches of fish ( use adult size of fish for guidance)

clowns are great , Percs , true or false (Its not a test, they are the names of clown species) but IMO you will want 2 of them

just dont make them the 1st 2 fish

cleaner shrimps are cool IMO - as are true peppermint shrimps ( sorry, there are no alternative flavours）

if you wanted to start with clowns - wait another couple of months IMHO

a yellow tailed blue Damsel would make a fine starter fish and could be added much sooner
IMO

Steve

 

I hate shrimp personally. They are always stealing the food out of my corals mouths. Side note, peppermint shrimp will eat aptasia

 

Welcome to 3REEF. Your doing the right thing so far keep going slow. Very important in this hobby. You probably already learned that though. Every thing you do, you have to accuire, acclimate and add. From water to stock. Patience is a virtue!!

 

I do like the peppermint shrimp. When is it normally safe to add shrimp to an aquarium?