The crew will build as the tank will support them. I will lean towards agreeing with Trekbear. The cleanup crew is there for 'cleanup'. I wouldn't feed them unless the tank truly looks devoid of algae, which, I doubt will happen. I will admit that I added a small piece of shrimp pellet from my FW food stash as a test and the cleaner shrimp devoured it. All my crew seem content with algae right now and the shrimp seems to be able to catch some cyclopeese and drifting flake.
To BiffMcfly There is a risk about putting them all in at once if there is not enough algae to support everyone. I added mine in stages, but, if internet purchase is the only way to go for you, I'd wait until there seemed to be a good algae growth.
Personally, I've been disappointed with the work of the hermits I think they are slow cleaners and you'd need a horde of them to get the job done. Still, you could go with them or supplement with cerith or nerite snails. Astrea are the best in my opinion. It's definitely a good starter crew I assume you have a 24G. I am just quoting what came with the "detrivore" kit from inland, I have had not problems with their system.
They in fact say that feeding the cleanup crew is pretty important in a new tank as there is no detritus for them to live off of. A clean up crew is not strictly algae eators and if that is all you have, well you are going to have problems anyway with other wastes.
My crew has a number of other organisms such as bristleworms, brittle stars, stomatellas, peppermint snails. Not all of these will touch algae. Hence the advice to feed them is very valid. You can choose to create your own system that is the nice part of this hobby, you can reinvent the wheel at any time and have success Unfortunately many crews are just that, pure algae eating systems and so you end up with even more algae as the uneaten food and detritus decompose and enter the water column as nutrient.
That nutrient feeds the algae. They keep adding snails etc, and still continue with a sprial of more algae. Kind of ironic. Why can't this area become a 'nitrate trap' as well??
Food for thought. Water changes are a good way of exporting dops With continual protein removal, not to mention efficent water oxygenition, the skimmer will enhance water quality and livestock health Again, thanks for the thread, looking good. Some guys at the LFS are trying to put togather a skimmer that fits the back compartment in the 24NC Dunno if they're going to sell them, but i'll try to get a hold of the plans I read that nanocustoms is working on a skimmer thats gonna fit in chamber I'm thinking about just waiting for that.
If theres one thing I'm ready to do, its be patient. As usual, there is still a split on whether or not one needs it. However, from this more recent post, it seems that the 'pro-skimmers' are ahead in the count. You'll have to decide for yourself. As above, I will continue 'skimmerless' unless I run into problems or see the need for one.
Aqua C and BakPak seem to be popular choices for those who wish to look into it. I wouldn't hold my breath for JBJ to come out with one. I received '0' responses. No wonder It makes sense tho' for us 'newbies' since the responses are always divided. So, I've tried to review some of the recent posts and summarize a bit: what is consensus here to help some of us.
I also will add a poll for those who skim I'm hoping the more experienced nano-reefers will post one more time. Then perhaps, at least for , you can rest the typing to this question. The fine print Our nano-systems are closed environmental systems.. The addition of livestock, live rock and food adds nutrients and proteins that can accumulate and form dissolved organic acids DSO's. As these accumulate, they can be a source of fodder for algae blooms, cyanobacteria and contribute to poor water condition which could also affect the well-being of corals.
A protein skimmer is a device that 'culls' these DSO's out of our systems. Without going into physics or the mechanical design of skimmers that's for you to read up on , a skimmer is a chamber that creates a jet of bubbles. As the bubbles pass upward through this system, DSO's adhere to the bubble's surface and are released when the bubble bursts. These proteins are then collected at the surface in a cup for removal.
A protein skimmer could also be included under the heading of a device for 'nutrient export'. This is where I'll ask the more experienced nano-reefers to come back and at least do the poll for a final rendering of who is using what out there.
In summary, the choice of using a protein skimmer is all yours. There is still no definitive consensus, however, IMO, after being here for a few months I think the advocates of protein skimming are in the majority unless the water changers are just not posting.
While posting this and prior to the poll results, Skilter and Visi-Jet skimmers appear to get the worst comments. For us NC owners, there isn't a skimmer that fits into our tanks, so, options include:. They are reportedly designing an internal protein skimmer to fit in the back in chamber 2. Water changes combined with conscientious feedings I feel provide a better environment for my tank inhabitants. My cube has only a kalk injector to keep the ph up at night and other than that, it runs without any additives or supplements.
I have never had any algae issues and the cleanup crew is minimal. I also just prefer the simplicity of a tank with as little hardware as possible. No cups to dump, nozzles to clean, water levels to adjust, no pumps to replace etc.
I just always felt the object of the cube was to have a tank with no external junk, easy to run, and low maintanance. Twice a day feedings and weekly waterchange is the extent of my intervention on my cube. I have to scrape my glass once every days. One hermit seems to have gotten larger and seems to be cleaning up the substrate a bit.
Treatment is turkey baster and increased water flow. I'll try and redirect one of my powerheads towards it. I'd be shocked if it was still alive. I broke off two small pieces of Halimeda and put it in the tank. Some areas of it were turning white in the refugium which now leads me to reverse my thoughts and wonder if the submersible quartz halogen light is sufficient for photosynthesis.
Although this diverges from the purists lagoon vs outer reef , I think it is pleasing to the eye. It seems to be the least invasive of the macroalgaes except for it's need for calcium. I'll keep an eye on it and pull it if it seems to be a problem.
I've ordered some chaeto for the back refugium to try. I can't believe how much detritus comes up. So far, I'm free of hair algae.
Despite some recommendations here I wanted to stay away from them , I heard that some turbos may eat cyano so I may add one or two. I recently posted a thread to help me I. The news was I had sob , cyanobacteria or red slime algae. I was getting ready to go to Stop and Shop to buy a turkey baster when I woke up this morning to see this:.
My astrea snail was plowing right thru it. Strength and honor to you oh mightly snail. I have not seen it floating nor seen any spike in nitrates or ammonia I have no clue. I've been told that they can initially be very shy.. Now you can see why a quarantine tank is a so important Too many nooks and crannies. I think I can proceed with my corals. Anyway I'm getting ready to order my clean-up crew and I would like to know what you would have done differently, if anything.
I would rather have less snails and more other critters but that must be leftover angst from all the FW tanks I've had. And yes, I do take my time, as all the SW Gods have advised. Had the Diatom attack but weathered it and now I'm getting the hair algae. I'm ready to get started and would appreciate your input. Sure Trumph.. I can use all the input I can get I was away for the weekend and came back to a diatom attack..
My other buddy says that you sometimes get a 'second wave'. Thank goodness I don't have aiptasia or hair algae yet. Fear not tho' Here is my take on what I have:.
I had one area of bubble algae that I pulled off and it seems not to be coming back I don't see them doing too much but I think they help aerate and move the substrate. They pop out like subs as soon as food hits the tank. I'm happy I got them. I also think they help keep the substrate from compacting.
I've cooled on them a bit I think you need a horde of them to get the job done. I think that's a good sign of water quality A bit cheaper than the blood shrimp where I am. My only consideration would be to swap out the hermits for another type of snail.. Cerith are supposed to be very good. Add a few crew members in stages and see how they do in your tank You don't want to add too many too quickly and starve them out. As for my success with the nitrates, maybe beginners luck.
I think the LR is coming into it's own and ditching the sponge contributed. I've just been reading that in good LR I think that is what those bubbles are. I've also been good with the water changes man, what a chore making that RO and SW, but I got the rhythm down.. Good to see you post again sir Purchased ultra cured LR with no ammonia spikes LFS keeps a tank with cycled LR ready to go straight to tank. Refugium is up and running with both rubble and halimeda.
Added 5 's of established live sand to 17 's of white sand and aggregate. Dosing water with Purple Up to pump up the coraline Have not purchased the auto top off from Nannocustomes yet, but probably will this weekend. Will add Lawnmower Goby this weekend along with a Cleaner Shrimp. I will post a pic this weekend, I left my camera at the lake house. Thanks again old wise sage for your encouragement and sharing of knowledge WTG Woobycat and Gats I've been hearing mixed reviews about lawnmowers And, I'm with you Gats I think the macro helps.
I think you need as much bang for your buck that you can get re: keeping nitrates down. Water changes, good LR, macroalgae My next projects here I ordered a float valve just to look at it.
I'm gonna figure out a topoff system when I get time and if successful, step by step it here for everyone. And, corals As noted in the beginning of this thread, this is a stock lighing system, so SPS and tridachna clams are not on the menu. Maybe an LPS if possible in the future but easy as we go. We've all gone down to the beach or ocean at one point in our lives and either stepped on something, brushed against something or went running out of the water after seeing something skitter by our foot in the water.
Well, know we've brought a piece of the ocean home. What are some of the hidden dangers now lurking behind the glass in our living rooms? Many invertebrates have developed methods of defending themselves from attack or encroachment or even to get food by ejecting nematocysts, small capsules that can inflict a nasty sting. These animals are in a class called Cnidarians Reactions can include stings, rashes or the extreme of anaphylaxix.
Certain fish contain poison in their bites or in specially designed spikes in their dorsal fines. The most classic example is the lionfish. For those wishing to upgrade their lighting, they will most likely be facing a temperature issue. A chiller, if needed, can be added. It certainly makes things more complex. At present, I plan to stay stock and see how good I can do with this. My temps are running good with two two pumps and a submersible light.
Here is what is working for me right now. I'm having success with the following:. Everyone is eating everything except the Firefish won't go for the flake and it took a while for it to warm up to the pellets. Hey Rev I hear ya When your algae kicks in, incrementally add your cleanup crew. You're on your way. I just saw my very first signs of algae starting to grow last night.
I was thinking of picking up a crab or snail on the way home from work. Well, my newbie advice to you is to make sure you've cycled, then add a few of the astria snails and a few redlegs.
Personally, If I were you, I'd wait another week or so I got a suspicion youre not done cycling My astria snails have done an alright job, but they do seem a little lazy. I love watching the red legs though. I also tossed a small sally lighfoot in. But I read that might be a mistake, although the LFS lady said it was a good idea. Her store she owns is badass, so I'm apt to trust her You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Paste as plain text instead.
Only 75 emoji are allowed. Display as a link instead. Clear editor. Upload or insert images from URL. Beginners Discussion. Search In. Reply to this topic Start new topic. Recommended Posts. Posted May 11, In summary, my mods are: 1 Stock pump in chamber one with 'bulkheadless' outlet, ChemiPure,SeaGel and Purigen 2 LR rubble and macro, temp probe and submersible light in chamber 2 3 Maxijet , heater in chamber 3 And Share this post Link to post.
First Corals With trepidations, I opened my shipment of corals that arrived today. Coral ID and pix to follow tomorrow. Button Coral Scolymia sp. Tooth Coral Galaxea spp. Flower Pot Coral Goniopora sp. Here are my four corals.. Posted May 12, SH, Congrats on your new corals. Keep up the posts.
Posted May 14, Any updates? How're the corals doing? How did that happen? Thank you Kyubi. Need more info. Yes Cloudy Never saw a body though. Halimeda is still alive. Great thread SH haven't read it for a few weeks, and lots of new stuff going on! Your tank is looking very good. I also got a colt leather coral I think it is what do you think of these? Hey everyone..
Posted May 15,
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