cleaning sand

hudaisy

hudaisy

Member
Hi,
I have a 28g Nano HQI that's about 2 weeks old (FOWLR). Water specs are good (all within listed acceptable ranges) and I am using only what came with the tank (EXCEPT the protein skimmer which says not to use until nitrates have cycled). I would guess that I am still cycling, as it's only been 2weeks and I have not seen the spike in ammonia/nitrates yet. I have 2 clownfish and 5 bumble bee snails. Currently, I am going through the brown algae w/ air bubbles (diatoms?) problem, but it is only moderate (mostly on rocks and a little on sand--none on sides of aquarium). I started with tap water (treated), 10lbs of LR, and live sand. I am switching to RO water with my next top-off.
After reading several posts, I am not sure how you "clean sand"? I cannot image that you would vaccum it, but I keep reading about "cleaning" the algae off of it. Can someone please explain this. Also, any "tips" would be greatly appreciated!
 
whisk

whisk

Active Member
Originally Posted by hudaisy
http:///forum/post/2941615
Hi,
I have a 28g Nano HQI that's about 2 weeks old (FOWLR). Water specs are good (all within listed acceptable ranges) and I am using only what came with the tank (EXCEPT the protein skimmer which says not to use until nitrates have cycled). I would guess that I am still cycling, as it's only been 2weeks and I have not seen the spike in ammonia/nitrates yet. I have 2 clownfish and 5 bumble bee snails. Currently, I am going through the brown algae w/ air bubbles (diatoms?) problem, but it is only moderate (mostly on rocks and a little on sand--none on sides of aquarium). I started with tap water (treated), 10lbs of LR, and live sand. I am switching to RO water with my next top-off.
After reading several posts, I am not sure how you "clean sand"? I cannot image that you would vaccum it, but I keep reading about "cleaning" the algae off of it. Can someone please explain this. Also, any "tips" would be greatly appreciated!

Well there are a few issues here. But I'll be glad to help best I can. First, it's not the best idea to have fish in the tank until after the cycle is complete. Reason being if ammonia shows up, and even nitrites, it will kill them. The idea of a cycle is to allow bacteria to grow on your LR that will convert ammonia to nitrites and then to nitrates. The other issue is it is a general rule to have 1 to 2lbs of LR for every gallon of the tank. If you have 28 gallons, you should have at least 28 lbs of LR. 10lbs will not be effiecient enough to maintain your tank. You will want to get the rest of your LR in your tank as soon as possible so you dont have to "re-cycle".
I think it would be a good idea if you researched more about the cycle process and basic setup needs of a saltwater tank. There is a lot of info on these forums and other places too.
As far as the brown algae/diatoms, a clean up crew (CUC) will take care of it. You will not need to vacumm it. Get some cerith snails and they will eat it. Switching to RO water is a great idea too.
good luck for now.
 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
You need more live rock. You should take out your fish and snails because they might die. Ammonia kills living things. You don't clean the sand. You can buy some little inverts that do. Certain snails like Nassarious snails, cerith snails and certain gobies like pink spot gobies.
Your Nitrates won't "spike" The reason for the cycle is to build up bacteria to a point that it is able to sustain life.
Do small water changes during your cycle so there is more live creatures on your live rock. The lower you can keep ammonia, the better.
 
hudaisy

hudaisy

Member
thanks for the info. I can't really take the fish or snails out, but I will go today and buy more live rock. However, I should note that I mistyped the first time, I have 20lbs of LR now, but I will get more.
New question: should I be concerned about the air bubbles coming from the brown algae?
 
hudaisy

hudaisy

Member
I will try. In the meantime, let me be more clear: I have tiny air bubbles coming from the brown algae (on the rocks and sand). Is this something I need to be concerned about?
 
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