Help!

[dfurbee]

I have a new 55gal. tank, and am going to have saltwater fish only. Can not afford live rock yet. It is costly to set up a sw system, so live fish first. Question is, I have the crushed coral substrate in, undergravel filter, HOB filter, and 2 powerheads from the underground filter. I placed synthetic rock reef and coral in the water. The water is getting clear, but there is a film on the inside of the glass. Is this just from the substrate or is it algae? My heater is set at 79 deg. Any help would be appreciated, thanks. :help:
:happyfish

 

[sepulatian]

Originally Posted by dfurbee
I have a new 55gal. tank, and am going to have saltwater fish only. Can not afford live rock yet. It is costly to set up a sw system, so live fish first. Question is, I have the crushed coral substrate in, undergravel filter, HOB filter, and 2 powerheads from the underground filter. I placed synthetic rock reef and coral in the water. The water is getting clear, but there is a film on the inside of the glass. Is this just from the substrate or is it algae? My heater is set at 79 deg. Any help would be appreciated, thanks. :help:
:happyfish
Hello and welcome to the boards!!!!! First I will tell you that you are much better off getting rid of the crushed coral (it is a nitrate trap if not properly cared for), the undergravel filter, and the fake decor. You would be much better off with live sand (or plain sand under live) and investing in at least some live rock before worrying about fish. I know it sounds like you would have to dump your existing setup and do it over, but to be honest, you will find out that it is the better way to go. I am not trying to discourage you in anyway, just informing you. Now to your question. What does the film look like? What color is it?

 

[dfurbee]

The film is a greyish white. What do I need to do to care for the crushed coral? At this time I can not afford live rock (wish I could). I am a full time student in a master's program, work full time also. After school is done, then I will be able to afford a nicer tank.

 

[geridoc]

The trick to maintaining a tank with cc is to thoroughly vacuum it at each water change, which should, IMHO, be done weekly. Also, feed carefully to minimize waste getting into the substrate. You will also have to be careful with livestock selection - no sand sifters, most wrasses are out, too. This from someone who has had cc tanks for more than 30 years, and wishes he had not set up his most recent tank with it, but should have used sand instead. I'm now considering switching the tank, but it is a big job to do after the tank is running and stocked.

 

[symon]

I agree with the others, Dump the CC and the UGF, do a mix of plain sand and live sand,
You can actually buy some dead (coral/rocks) much cheaper and allow the live sand to seed it, this ofcourse will take much longer and cause you to have to cycle the tank again, but it will happen and totally worth it in the long run!