almost ready for corals

[u mike]

Hi all ,just got back from fish store , Got water tested every thing was good ,nitrate was little high. As I was talking to owner about the lighting problem I was having ( had a large alage bloom). I am going to wait a few more days until I get my first coral. want to run tank with no light for now. I would be happy for any insight to make the right choice of starter coral . Tank size 65 gal.
thanks

 

[nycbob]

whar equipments r u currently running?

 

[cedarreef]

how high is a little high for trates because corals can't tolerate high nitrates

 

[oceansidefish]

Also what kind of algae because it probably has nothing to do with lighting...Give more info on your tanks specifics

 

[pezenfuego]

If algae grew only because of light...my tank would look like crap. You probably have some phosphates as well...which are pretty bad for corals. Don't rush into anything. I waited WAY longer than I probably had to in order to get into corals, but I'm glad I did because when I got that first coral, I had no doubt in my mind that I would be successful.
Some advice here. Getting cheaper corals like discosomas (mushrooms) is good in the beginning. They are usually very easy to care for and almost hard to kill. It's like high school, it's harder to get straight Fs than As with this coral. However mushrooms seem to be pretty good at telling you how they like your tank...by how healthy they look.
Turn off your lights if you want, but it will only kill the algae, not solve the problem that is causing it.
JM 2 Cents, fwiw.

 

[saltn00b]

sounds like you are just starting off and working with a new, unstable tank.
take 6 months to learn the hobby and so your tank matures.

 

[u mike]

Originally Posted by nycbob
http:///forum/post/3018306
whar equipments r u currently running?
eheim pro canister
9 w U V
koralia #2
36 inch 96 w sunpaqdaul 420nm + 460 nm
96 w sunpaq daul daylight 6700 k + 10000 k
3 lunar
about 45 lbs live rock
sand base
sorry don't have # on test store did test for me

 

[u mike]

Originally Posted by saltn00b
http:///forum/post/3018340
sounds like you are just starting off and working with a new, unstable tank.
take 6 months to learn the hobby and so your tank matures.
I kind of understand where you are coming from , my only problem is everything was great until got light ,

 

[goinbroke]

unless you are made of money wait!
you will know when the tank is ready!

 

[oceansidefish]

How do you know your nitrates are high if you don't know what they are??? I would skip the corals and instead invest in a set of test kits for your tank. Usually what the LFS's use are not very accurate. Also you might want to find out what is causing the algae bloom.

 

[flower]

You don't have to wait a long time for corals. However to keep anything (fish, inverts or corals) you need your own test kits.
Get yourself some Xenia, they love nitrates and will help reduce it. IMO Pulsing xenia is beautiful.
If you have an algae problem you most likely have phosphates. Since at the moment there is nothing in the tank, get a test kit for phosphates, better yet get a master reef test kit, it is the cheapest way instead of purchasing all different kinds of tests.
If phosphates are high, dose for that. Once the water is testing good, and your algae is under control...That is the CUCs (clean up crew) job. I think you’re ready to go. Always do your research to make sure what gets along with what, and how to care for it.
Good starter coral:

• mushrooms
• Xenia
  Zoas
  polyps

Happy Reefing

 

[oceansidefish]

Dosing for phosphates will not solve anything....It's likely from overfeeding. A tank shot and a feeding schedule will be helpfull. Also is the tank near a window, does it get sunlight.

 

[culp]

just easiest to do water change to bring the nitrates

 

[u mike]

Originally Posted by Oceansidefish
http:///forum/post/3019046
Dosing for phosphates will not solve anything....It's likely from overfeeding. A tank shot and a feeding schedule will be helpfull. Also is the tank near a window, does it get sunlight.
Wish I had a camera to show tank, feed fish 1 time am / 1 time pm
1 skunk clown
serpant star
1 royal gramma
1 cleaner shrimp
1 tank raised fire clown
tomini tang
1 falco hawk ( grandson won that battle)
2 feather dusters
1 coco worm
1 gold head sleeper goby
no tank is away from sunlight

 

[oceansidefish]

Feeding them twice a day is definately overfeeding....I would switch to feeding them every other day. Also what exactly are you feeding??? You fish don't need to eat everyday. With the exception of leaving a veggie clip out for your tang....

 

[u mike]

Originally Posted by Oceansidefish
http:///forum/post/3019978
Feeding them twice a day is definately overfeeding....I would switch to feeding them every other day. Also what exactly are you feeding??? You fish don't need to eat everyday. With the exception of leaving a veggie clip out for your tang....
I have always feed live brine shrimp / also used spirulina formula
will cut back on feeding
thanks !!!!!