Good Algae growth

[cincinnati fish guy]

My tank has been setup since April 4th of this year. I cycled my 100 gallon tank with 60lbs of live rock and 40lbs of live sand. I've had numerous fish -3 chromis (2 died), 1 blue spotted puffer (dead -my first big mistake ), 1 flame cardinal (died today), 3 pajama cardinals (all dead), 1 foxface, 1 Maroon Clown, 1 Hermit, 1 Star Fish. As you can see, I am a novice at this.
I am trying to diagnos my problem. One of the things that I am looking for is the growth of healthy green alage. It seems that I have been growing brown alage as I can see it in the sand and on the rocks. All my readings are normal. Any suggestions??? <img src="graemlins//eek.gif" border="0" alt="[eek]" />

 

[byrself]

are you using a skimmer?

 

[cincinnati fish guy]

Yes -I am using a protein skimmer.

 

[broomer5]

My first suggestion would be to slow down a little.
You set the tank up April 4th - a little over 6 weeks ago.
You should consider letting the tank simmer a little before adding a lot of fish.
This is common - and happens a lot.
I'm sure you'll have better success keeping fish alive if you don't try and do things too fast.
Most all of us are somewhat guilty of rushing into things occasionally, especially when just starting out in the hobby.
The green algae that you desire may come later down the road, although most of us are trying to eliminate most of it in our tanks, I know it's a goal for some.
The brown algae is most likely indicating your tank is still very young, even though the tests show normal - it's still a new tank.

 

[pufferfreak]

I made the same mistake when i started my tank i agree that you should slow down and take your time and learn to have patience, or else you will blow a lot of money.

 

[cincinnati fish guy]

Well it's happended again. I lost my hermit crab this morning. I guess I made the mistake of rushing in too fast. Is there some type of guideline that I can review that let's me know when to add livestock to a new tank? That's one piece of info that I have not be able to get my hands on.

 

[eva b.]

Just wanted to let you know I am sorry for all the fish you lost. I've been there and done that. Wish I had all the money back I've spent on fish that didn't survive. FYI these guys here are a lot of help and are knowledgeable. Listen up to them, they will help you out a lot. They've been a huge help to me.

 

[marine fanatic]

Cincinnati,
There will be many different thoughts on how to properly cycle a tank and when it is matured enough for populating it. The best bet would be, read as MUCH as you can on this forum...tons of people here have gone through what you are going through now. Their experience will help you alot. You may want to purchase a good book or two on the subject. There are alot of books out there with detailed graphs on how your tank should be set up, how it is coming along and when it is ready for some critters.
I wish I had known this when I started out. Losing fish hit me hard because I love all animals. The financial loss was never an issue since I place more interest on the happiness/health of my critters. The trap to ALL newcomers is set up the tank and go buy a bunch of pretty fish. You MUST have patience and let nature take it's course. I know it's a hard thing to do at times but for the sake of your interest in the hobby, maintain patience and let things happen naturally. I am sorry this reply is not a wealth of helpful information but I am still learning it myself...was just offering my thoughts.
I hope you have great success with your tank