Green Algae

[spnohio]

I have a 14 gal. bio cube for a little over a year now. I have 6 snails and 5 crabs, 1- 6 line wrasse and 1-blue/green chromis. I have about 14 lbs of live rock. I have a lot of questions now. I have some green algae growing on my live sand? Suggestions of getting rid of it? Are two fish the max? Could I get a fish that stays on the bottom? Also is there a link to specific modifications that are simple? I have never done any changes with the stock supplies. New Pump? Specific brands? Any that will fit in the third chamber? If I remove the sponge what should I get to put there? Should I remove the bio balls? What is simple I can replace them with? Please be specific on brands and type of stuff. I would like to get rid of the bio balls is there something a lot better? Do I need a heater? If so what type? Thanks.

 

[nycbob]

do u do regular maintenance like cleaning the pump and bioballs? u migth hv to change out ur light bulbs. once light bulbs lose their intensity, algae can pop up. also, test for phosphate. and u will definitely need the heater.

 

[poop_head]

If your going with corals yes remove the bioballs, rings, and sponges. It even tells you to if that is your plan. You can put in LR rubble to be a natural filter and even add a oceanic biocube protein skimmer. Not sure if you have your heater back there or not but its a good place for it.

 

[poop_head]

the heater just depends. I have a heater but ive heard of people not needing one just depends on what your tank temps are running naturally. You can switch out the back pump for like a maxijet 900. I have a mj 1200 with a rotating head on my in let to vary the flow a little. I imagine a few more snail may help especially if you vary the types you have. Ya fish wise I'd say your getting close. I would imagine a small 3rd fish would be ok.