algae,cleaner shrimp,mandarin goby

[regaltanglady]

A few questions, my tank has been established for almost a year now. (although I moved the tank 4 months ago so does that still count?)
*There is a carpet like growth of dark green algae on the sand, with bits of brown and now streaks of bright orange. I want to know if this is beneficial or if I just just roll the carpet up and take it out.
*Second, I have 34 gal, and two cleaner shrimp...how many should I have? Or does it go by how many fish you have?
*I also bought a mandarin goby about a week ago, I see him picking at rocks and active during feeding time. It appears he is foraging for food. Do I need to add pods? He seems ok for now.
I figure I have enough fish and I REALLY need to focus on adding more coral, when my wallet allows. And eventually a little more live rock and then more coral again.
Thanks

 

[cjworkman]

algae growth means you have higher levels of nitrate or phosphate than you should in the tank. You have to test for both to find the culprit and then hunt down the source of the problem.
Nitrate can result from overfeeding, not cleaning equipment regularly such as canister filters, not having the right equipment (no protein skimmer), etc.
Phosphate can come from frozen fish food and non-RO/DI water.
The Mandarin will need regular feeding of pods to have any chance of surviving in a 34 gallon tank. They rarely take prepared foods and feed only on live food. Most suggestions are for at least 100 lbs of established LR to sustain a Mandarin. I have had one for 4 months.. I am pushing the limit with him in my 90 gallon with 80 lbs of LR. I would say it's probably unlikely he survives in a tank that size. There are rare occasions that they take prepared foods, but it is very rare.
2 cleaner shrimp is plenty for a 34 gallon.