1 month old Saltwater tank

[vanessa2185]

I started my 28 gallon nano cube aquarium a month ago today. It has 105 watt 10,000°K/7,100°K compact fluorescent lighting, wavemakers, Nite-Vu LED lighting, 3 stage filtration and a protein skimmer.
After filling my tank up I added about 30lbs of live sand and in a couple of days added 15 lbs of live rock and 1 chromis fish. I let this run for about 5 days and I came home one day and my tank was filled with brown algea and bubbles. I called the pet store and they said that my tank was cycling and I could start adding fish and corals.
I went to the pet store the next day and took back my chromis to exchange for 2 Ocellaris Clownfish. I also bought a cleaner shrimp, 5 sails and 5 hermit crabs, 1 kenya tree coral and 1 toadstool mushroom leather coral.
The brown algea was gone and everything was doing great. I was already getting very addicted to the hobby so I went back the next week to add more. I purchased 4 more lbs of live rock, a starfish, a longnose hawkfish, a emerald green crab, a feather duster and some more corals. (pipe organ, zoanthus, xenia) I really wanted an anemone, The research I did before getting the take suggested I should wait to purchase one. However the store owner said that my water levels have been great and he thought It would be fine to get one. I purchase a bulb tip anemone because I really trusted his opinion, he was the owner of the pet store whos specialty was mostly saltwater fish.
Sooo, everything has been doing great. I started getting a bad brown algea and oxygen bubble breakout. I called the owner of the petstore and he suggested a water change and more snails and crabs. I did the water change and it came right back. A week ago I went back to the pet store and bought 6 nassarius snails, 6 more turban snails and 5 more crabs (2 of my snails and 2 crabs have died since I first started the tank).
I also did another water change a couple days after I purchased the new snails and crabs. The brown algea seems to have slowed down but I still have quit a bit when I come home in the evenings, on the rocks and sand, my glass is covered with it and I always clean it off when I get home. I still have some oxygen bubbles but not near the amount I had. I was just wondering if this is normal and I should leave it alone or if I should go and get some more snails or what?
I'm not really sure if I am using the protein skimmer right, I have the nano protein skimmer that is made for the aquarium. My water is always just alittle bit cloudy.
My anemone is doing pretty good, it has attached to a rock and I have been feeding it, sometimes it deflates and that scares me to death because I am afraid it will die and affect the rest of my tank, I wish now I would have waited because I am always worried about it but it's too late now.
Also how many more fish could I put in this size tank? I try to keep the temperature at 76 degrees and it usually is fine untill the evenings and it has been going up to 80. I bought a clip on aquarium fan to help keep that down but it hasen't came in yet.
If you have any advice for me I would love your input.

 

[reeferchief]

Hi and welcome...
I know that addiction all too well..lol I would definitely say to keep your water temp a littel higher if it is flucuating 4 degrees each day. Do you have a heater? If so then keep it set at around 78-80
Do you use carbon bag/filter in your water? (that helped me with cloudiness)
Not sure how many more fish..there is a general rule of thumb with inches of fish to gallons of water.
Also do regular water changes to keep the water parameters pretty even. Also how long is your light on for? I had a hair algae problem and some of it I physically cleaned off and the rest I bought a lawn mower blenny. He is so cool and likes to feed on the hair algae...Best advice I was ever given with my tank was to have a schedule. Whatever you do one week do the next. Now I do weekly water changes on the weekend of about 20% as well as clean all my filters, skimmers, ect. , and in the middle of the week I add a calcium carbonate buffer. That's all I have been doing and my water has been awesome lately..

 

[vanessa2185]

Hey,
Thanks for your reply. I do have a heater but it hasen't been coming on lately. The water has been staying aroud 76 to 77 untill around 4:00pm and then it sometimes gets up to 80. The pet store owner said to keep the temp aroud 76 so that has been my goal but do you think I should shoot for 78? If so I could turn my heater up, and use the fan I bought to keep it under 80.
I do have a carbon bag filter that came in the filter basket of the nano cube. I had no idea what a calcium buffer was so I looked it up lol (I told you I was new). Do you think I need to start doing that too?
I have had this aquarium for a month and have done 3 30% water changes. I was told to only do a 30% water change every 3 weeks to a month but I have done it more to try and get rid of my algea problem. Should I be doing water changes more often?
I have no idea how this skimmer is suppose to work, I think my cloudy water may be due to this. I can't find a video on this type of skimmer on what it should look like in operation. Right now I have it sitting high above the water and I have white bubbles running out of the tube into the waste cup. I don't think this many bubbles are suppose to be falling over into the waste cup and I have it adjusted to the lowest setting. If anyone knows anything about the nanocube skimmers, please let me know.
Thanks!

 

[reeferchief]

No worries bc I am fairly new myself and there are a lot of members here with great advice and have treated me quite well in the month I have been on this site.
The temp is not as important as it being a stable temp. I figured out in my house the temp like to stay around 77-81, and 77 was usually overnight into the morning. So instead I just put the heater on and I keep my water usually at 79.5 - 81. I use a digital thermometer for food and it is very accurate. Do you keep the tank near a window or in a room that gets a lot of sun exposure?
I use the buffer after 2 months but mostly to keep levels balanced and provide nutrients that the tank needs. Some of the experts may come on soon and let you know about that but I don't think it will hurt to start.
Your charcoal bag should last for several months so no need to change yet.
I like to keep the water always good so I do weekly 20% water changes every weekend. This will vary depending on who you ask but for me this method has yeilded the best results and stability so far.
As far as the skimmer if you go on youtube there should be several skimmer videos for a nano tank.
Everyones advice may be different even from fish store to fish store, so on that note shop around at a few fish stores and see who offers best advice, has best looking environment for fish/corals and you like to deal with most.

 

[smartorl]

Welcome!
Not being disrespectful but I would disregard any and all advice from this fish store and do your own research. From the gate his information is not good.
Again, not bashing you because most of us started out in the hobby the same way and then learned better ways to do things.
Remember he is in business to make money and sadly, many stores increase their revenue by preying upon new hobbyists.
It is much more accepted to cycle with a piece of shrimp and not a live fish. I would also seriously doubt that your tank was fully cycled.
You were also instructed to stock way too quickly and added an alarming bioload to an immature and unstable system. Usually, you add a clean up crew first after the cycle is complete and then add slowly leaving a week or more preferably between additions.
I would take the anemone back. They need an older more established tank, proper lighting, and careful attention to your water quality.
If I were in your shoes, I would invest in my own test kit and learn how to monitor and balance my levels myself. That way you know exactly where you are at.
The algae growth you are seeing is at least in part to too many nutrients in your water and not enough water flow. You didn't mention power heads, do you have any in the tank to avoid dead spots?
You didn't say what you were feeding or your lighting schedule, that would be helpful in pinpointing a source for the algae growth.

 

[snakeblitz33]

Do you have any test kits? Have your LFS check your ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH. They should do this service for free. Ammonia and Nitrite should be zero. All the brown you are seeing is called Diatoms. Diatom blooms are caused by silicates in the water column being used up. The diatoms will go away if you just stop messing with your tank. You shouldn't add any more fish until you know what your water parameters are. For a 28g nano, you are really limited to the amount of fish you can put in the tank. Stay away from large fish, and scooter blennies and mandarin dragonets. Before you proceed any further, check out some library books on saltwater aquariums. A good one to start with is The Conscientious Marine Aquarist by Bob Fenner. It's a little dated, but will give you a good idea about the subject of saltwater aquaria.
The carbon bag should be replaced every 30 days, so that you don't risk toxins and other chemicals being leached back into your system. Only GFO, Granular Ferric Oxide, can you leave in the system for a few months at a time. I suggest getting a book called Aquarium Corals: Selection, Husbandry, and Natural History by Eric H. Borneman if you are going to start getting into corals. Always go to your live fish store with a goal in mind, and never be talked in to buying something that you know nothing about.
If that was my tank, I'de let it sit for a month or so. Your tank will mature over time and become more stable. Don't add any more corals or fish for a little while and just enjoy what you have for the time being.
Water changes are debatable. Many people do water changes constantly, but some people prefer low bioloads, lots of live rock, protein skimming and macroalgaes without any water changes but once every six months to a year. Do a water change when there is something wrong, such as high ammonia and nitrite, if your calcium and alkalinity is not in balance or if your pH is too high or too low or if your nitrate and phosphate is too high. Eventually you can just look at your tank and tell if it needs a water change or not. Until then, rely on test kits and regular water changes.

 

[vanessa2185]

Hello,
I really appriciate the input, I should have realized that the pet store would do that. I guess I was just so excited that I would be able to start everything so quickly and got carried away.
I did call and ask about returning the anemone and they said I could have half of my money back, which kinda sucks but is better then nothing I guess. He seems to be doing pretty good, today he seems to have turn alittle green tinted, I don't know if this is normal or if my water is making him unhealthy.
I was going to purchase a test kit but was told that bringing my water in for testing would be better and more acurate. I think I will buy one anyway.
I do have powerheads in my tank, they are in the back and I didn't really know which way to point them. I don't think I have any dead spots, when I feed the food dosen't sink to the bottom anywhere that I can tell. I feed Omega One marine flakes at this time, and I always feed in the morning before work. I leave the lights on 10 hours a day.
I will try again to find something about the skimmer because I really don't think I have it working properly.
Thanks!

 

[smartorl]

I don't have much experience with the nano skimmers but there are many here who do and could help you.
If I were you, I would skip the flake. It can be a pollutant. I would feed frozen mysis shrimp or a lot of people here make their own by purchasing what ever seafood is on sale and the grocery and putting it in the food processor. You can also offer pieces of algae sheets. In a new tank where algae is not present so much, the fish, especially the grazers will appreciate it. If you go the frozen direction which would make more sense given the size of your tank, steer away from frozen brine shrimp, it's lacking in nutritional value.
Trust me, almost each of us was in your shoes! Speaking for myself. This is a great place to learn with a lot of people with varied backgrounds but lots of sound advice!

 

[reeferchief]

Quote:
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/388450/1-month-old-saltwater-tank#post_3425757
Do you have any test kits? Have your LFS check your ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH. They should do this service for free. Ammonia and Nitrite should be zero. All the brown you are seeing is called Diatoms. Diatom blooms are caused by silicates in the water column being used up. The diatoms will go away if you just stop messing with your tank. You shouldn't add any more fish until you know what your water parameters are. For a 28g nano, you are really limited to the amount of fish you can put in the tank. Stay away from large fish, and scooter blennies and mandarin dragonets. Before you proceed any further, check out some library books on saltwater aquariums. A good one to start with is The Conscientious Marine Aquarist by Bob Fenner. It's a little dated, but will give you a good idea about the subject of saltwater aquaria.
The carbon bag should be replaced every 30 days, so that you don't risk toxins and other chemicals being leached back into your system. Only GFO, Granular Ferric Oxide, can you leave in the system for a few months at a time. I suggest getting a book called Aquarium Corals: Selection, Husbandry, and Natural History by Eric H. Borneman if you are going to start getting into corals. Always go to your live fish store with a goal in mind, and never be talked in to buying something that you know nothing about.
If that was my tank, I'de let it sit for a month or so. Your tank will mature over time and become more stable. Don't add any more corals or fish for a little while and just enjoy what you have for the time being.
Water changes are debatable. Many people do water changes constantly, but some people prefer low bioloads, lots of live rock, protein skimming and macroalgaes without any water changes but once every six months to a year. Do a water change when there is something wrong, such as high ammonia and nitrite, if your calcium and alkalinity is not in balance or if your pH is too high or too low or if your nitrate and phosphate is too high. Eventually you can just look at your tank and tell if it needs a water change or not. Until then, rely on test kits and regular water changes.
Lots of great info. I guess there is a difference between charcoal filter and charcoal granulated. I have granulated which is good to know I can keep for several months and I run 3 bags right now.
How would you get away with doing a water change only 2 - 4 times a year? Is this for established tanks or very large tanks? I want to go down to bi-weekly changes but not sure when to start doing this.
Definitely leaving lights on for more than 8 hours will cause algae bloom. I'm not sure about food either, I feed mysis shrimp and a dr. g medicated food. I took a chunk from both and crushed garlic juice with the pieces and kind of made my own little blend.
Also is the room the tank is in bright? does it have a lot of direct sunlight? This can affect temp and algae

 

[vanessa2185]

Thanks for the info everyone..
The room that the tank is in has a window but I keep the blinds closed and the tank is in the corner where no light would touch it anyway. The temperature has been going up in the evening but when I see that happening I turn a fan on above it and it cools back down. I have been getting alot less algea lately and only a few bubbles. When I come home the glass is always covered brown and I clean it off. Do you guys think I should just leave it alone or should I get some more snails?
I think I will get some frozen food for my tank.
What do you guys think about adding a black and white clownfish with my other 2 Ocellaris clownfish. I plan on waiting several weeks before I add anything but I just love the looks of the black and white. From what I have researched, you shouldn't put more then 2 clownfish together but would it make a difference if it was a different kind? If they did fight would it be enough to cause a problem? I wish I would have waited and gotten a different kind because I really fell in love with the black and white clownfish. What are your thoughts on this?
Also I was planning on taking the anemone back, I have had him for 2 weeks and he seems to be doing fine but I don't want him to get sick. I just hate to lose the money if he would be ok, although I would hate for him to die also. My clownfish have nothing to do with him as of right now. What do you all think about this?

 

[reeferchief]

Well it sounds like what I was going through with algae and bubbles. I just started doing weekly water changes and that cleared right up withing a week.
i would not put 4 clowns in your tank. I had 4 in mine (2 orange and 2 black/white) They all got along for about a week or 2 then there was the balck one which I still have who was a mean little guy to the other black one and orange one. He only liked the bigger orange one. Now I only have the orange and the black one which are doing good. Maybe you can bring the smaller of the 2 you have back and get a smaller black one?
Also the clowns you have are most likely tank raised which will not host in anemone's. They get stung by anemone's and the wild caught ones aren't affected by anemones

 

[vanessa2185]

Thanks for the help. I will probably try that because the 2 I have now don't seem to care for each other anyway, I have even saw them snip at each other a few times. And I will try another water change for the algea, thanks!

 

[teresaq]

Hi and welcome.
Just a few quick things. Anemones are not white. They have color, so a green tint is a good thing. Just watch it, feed it a little chopped shrimp.
In a small tank like yours, only 2 clowns. Young clowns will nip and act like they dont like each other until one turns female. Then they will always be together.
Do you have any powerheads.
Patiants is a must - dont rush anything.
Algea on the glass is normal, just use a mag float to wipe it off.
I would not put more the 3 or 4 small fish in your tank. Look at bi-color or tail spot blennys, clown gobies, firefish.
Good luck
T

 

[sweatervest13]

Quote:
Originally Posted by vanessa2185 http:///t/388450/1-month-old-saltwater-tank#post_3425923
Thanks for the info everyone..
The room that the tank is in has a window but I keep the blinds closed and the tank is in the corner where no light would touch it anyway. The temperature has been going up in the evening but when I see that happening I turn a fan on above it and it cools back down. I have been getting alot less algea lately and only a few bubbles. When I come home the glass is always covered brown and I clean it off. Do you guys think I should just leave it alone or should I get some more snails?
I think I will get some frozen food for my tank.
What do you guys think about adding a black and white clownfish with my other 2 Ocellaris clownfish. I plan on waiting several weeks before I add anything but I just love the looks of the black and white. From what I have researched, you shouldn't put more then 2 clownfish together but would it make a difference if it was a different kind? If they did fight would it be enough to cause a problem? I wish I would have waited and gotten a different kind because I really fell in love with the black and white clownfish. What are your thoughts on this?
Also I was planning on taking the anemone back, I have had him for 2 weeks and he seems to be doing fine but I don't want him to get sick. I just hate to lose the money if he would be ok, although I would hate for him to die also. My clownfish have nothing to do with him as of right now. What do you all think about this?
Keep researching for any purchase you make for your tank. I would not add the black and white clown unless you take back the 2 original clowns (you should get some store credit by taking them back). Some have done more then 2 clowns in a tank but usually they are in larger tanks with many places to hide so they can have their own spaces. I don't recommend that for a 29g.
You definitely have the SW bug, which is good but can be expansive. Remember to take it slow because the stuff you buy for the tank can be costly and you if you over do it too quickly (overstocking) you are just wasting $$. There are a lot of good people on this site that love to help. Listen to their advice BUT then also do your research on your own. There is a great search feature on the site to pull older threads to help start your research. As you can see lots of things are debatable (like water change schedules). Things might work great for someone and not so well for others. There are good practices to get in the habit of doing.
If it were my tank I would let it chill for a month or two before I add anything new (heck maybe take some stuff out and get store credit), you have to let it get established and stable.
Most of us started out the same way asking the LFS people questions and believing them. Just remember that they are there to make $$. You are in the hobby for enjoyment and you will get a lot more of that the better informed your are on just how these little boxes of water run.
Best of luck and we would love to see some pictures.