Algae on Plastic Seaweed

[silver105]

Yes it is an outside strip thermometer that came with the fish tank kit and I figured it was inaccurate but I had a friend come over and set the tank up who had been running his saltwater tank for over a year, and I believe that the heater has remained constant in temp so I wasn't too concerned with it, but yes I will get an in tank thermometer and an API test kit. When you mean cycle you mean let the water run through the Biowheel correct? it's a biowheel intended for a 20-30 gallon tank btw. I'm using coral substrate as the floor pebble. The only advice I've received from one of the LFS is that the Chocalate Chip starfish is the best suited starfish for a Fish tank, and that the Saddlebacks don't do well in small tanks. My friend had informed me of a clownfish disease in which white spots developed on his body, for which he said he use a freshwater bath to help aid his recovery. But his wasn't a blacksaddle back.

 

[silver105]

I feed my Starfish and Urchine Krill and yes I spot feed them about 3 times a week

 

[silver105]

Originally Posted by socal57che
Don't replace your filter media. Just clean it in a bucket of water removed during your water change. This way you keep the bacteria that lives in it.

We want you to be successful.
Welcome to saltwater!!!!!!!!
Nitrates, nitrites and ammonia should ideally be near 0.
How much do you feed and how often?
I don't change the biowheel because I was told it keeps good bacteria and I change the filter to replace the carbon that gets used in the filtering process. I feed them twice a day about a pinch of flake, and occasionally half a cube of brine in
substitution for flake.

 

[sepulatian]

Originally Posted by Silver105
Yes it is an outside strip thermometer that came with the fish tank kit and I figured it was inaccurate but I had a friend come over and set the tank up who had been running his saltwater tank for over a year, and I believe that the heater has remained constant in temp so I wasn't too concerned with it, but yes I will get an in tank thermometer and an API test kit. When you mean cycle you mean let the water run through the Biowheel correct? it's a biowheel intended for a 20-30 gallon tank btw. I'm using coral substrate as the floor pebble. The only advice I've received from one of the LFS is that the Chocalate Chip starfish is the best suited starfish for a Fish tank, and that the Saddlebacks don't do well in small tanks. My friend had informed me of a clownfish disease in which white spots developed on his body, for which he said he use a freshwater bath to help aid his recovery. But his wasn't a blacksaddle back.
Ok, you are using crushed coral. That is a pain in the behind to clean. It has to be vacumed very often and very thoroughly to keep it from building up nitrates. I would advise you to set up a larger tank for your fish. Use SAND in the larger tank. A cycle is not just letting a filter run. Please read about cycling a tank in the Common Treatments FAQ located at the top of the disease and treatent forum. Your friend that has had a tank for a year sure did not help you much.

 

[sepulatian]

Originally Posted by Silver105
I don't change the biowheel because I was told it keeps good bacteria and I change the filter to replace the carbon that gets used in the filtering process. I feed them twice a day about a pinch of flake, and occasionally half a cube of brine in
substitution for flake.
You are not supposed to change the wheel. You can lightly rinse off the debris, but keep the wheel. Oiy, please fix the diet of your fish

 

[socal57che]

I'm having serious internet issues tonight so I apologize if I suddenly disappear.
I would reduce feeding of the flake and switch to frozen foods. They are notorious for containing phosphates which may contribute to algae blooms.
Feed once a day or once every other day. The fish may seem hungry, but it is better for the entire tank to refrain.

 

[silver105]

Originally Posted by socal57che
I'm having serious internet issues tonight so I apologize if I suddenly disappear.
I would reduce feeding of the flake and switch to frozen foods. They are notorious for containing phosphates which may contribute to algae blooms.
Feed once a day or once every other day. The fish may seem hungry, but it is better for the entire tank to refrain.
Ok so even though Nutrafin Max is supposed to have all these good tings for fish like fresh krill omega 3 fatty acid amino acid multi vitamins and natural color enhancers, you think that the brine is the better call which btw would make sense because I have been feeding them a lot more of the flake lately, and I never really got an answer on whether I should clean the algae of those plants?

 

[silver105]

I read a little bit about cycling, I'm still not quite clear on it, can someone give me the cliff notes version on it, basically what do I need as far as tank supplies, what is the process doing, and how long should it be done?

 

[socal57che]

If you go to a bigger tank add lots more live rock. You need more as it is so if you can't upgrade, switch to sand and get your live rock up to 30lbs or more.

 

[silver105]

Ok duly noted but as of right now, I need to know is it good or bad to clean that algae off those plants, I thought algae supports natural biological status overall on the good side.

 

[socal57che]

Originally Posted by Silver105
Ok so even though Nutrafin Max is supposed to have all these good tings for fish like fresh krill omega 3 fatty acid amino acid multi vitamins and natural color enhancers, you think that the brine is the better call which btw would make sense because I have been feeding them a lot more of the flake lately, and I never really got an answer on whether I should clean the algae of those plants?
Brine has no nutritional value. Use it as an occasional treat.
Clean it if you like, but it will return unless you fix the problem that created it.

 

[sepulatian]

A cycle starts with an ammonia source. Normaly you would use fish food so that fish themselves do not have to suffer through the cycle. Ammonia comes from fish waste or from decaying matter. Biological bacteria feeds off of ammonia. The bacteria will colonize on the sand, or in LR, any porous surface will do. Once the ammonia is consumed by the bacteria it is converted into nitrite. The nitrite is converted into nitrate. This cycle takes a good 6-8 weeks with only a food source. Ammonia is TOXIC to all marine life. Nitrite is not good for long periods of time. Nitrates are fine as long as you do not let it get over 40ppm. I am very concerned about your readings.

 

[sepulatian]

Originally Posted by Silver105
Ok duly noted but as of right now, I need to know is it good or bad to clean that algae off those plants, I thought algae supports natural biological status overall on the good side.
That brown algae is called diatoms. It is perfectly natural and just looks ugly. It will get worse before it gets better. There is not a whole lot that you can do, other than wipe it off.

 

[socal57che]

Originally Posted by Silver105
Ok duly noted but as of right now, I need to know is it good or bad to clean that algae off those plants, I thought algae supports natural biological status overall on the good side.
Algae blooms can also be a sign of poor water quality.

 

[silver105]

Thanks a lot I'm going to clean my tank and go to bed, have to get up at 9 for class.

 

[sepulatian]

Originally Posted by Silver105
Thanks a lot I'm going to clean my tank and go to bed, have to get up at 9 for class.
Silver, you can PM me if you do not get the answers that you need. There are many knowledgeable people on here to help though, socal is one of them. If you want to ask me anything, click on my name and send me a PM. Goodnight.

 

[socal57che]

Originally Posted by sepulatian
That brown algae is called diatoms. It is perfectly natural and just looks ugly. It will get worse before it gets better. There is not a whole lot that you can do, other than wipe it off.
Looks more like green slime on the plants than diatoms, but I could be wrong.

 

[socal57che]

sorry, guys.
it's taking a dozen tries just to send the stupid replies.

 

[yogoshio]

Originally Posted by sepulatian
Silver, is this your display tank? I am curious about your water quality. Could you please tell us how long this tank has been running and post your readings for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, ph, kh, sg, and temp? I am not swayed at all by the previous posters comment. I do not use Ro water myself. Please tell us all about your tank.
I would be swayed, we live a block away from each other. Thanks though, lol.

 

[socal57che]

Originally Posted by Yogoshio
I would be swayed, we live a block away from each other. Thanks though, lol.
You wouldn't be the "friend" mentioned in post #21 would you??

Afraid of a little competition so you though you'd "help out" eh?