new tank

[w9rpm]

HI, I have set up 2 75 gallon tanks about 6 weeks ago. I have 45 lbs of liverock in one and very little in the other. I have protein skimmers in both and 2 emporer 400 filters in each along with 2 powerheads. The tanks seem to have alot of green algae on the glass and the live rock closest to the lighting has turned white. I have 3-40w marine bulbs9Blue acintic, and Tri-chromatic and Marine Glow) in each and have them on 10 hours per day. I did put 2 Blue Damsels in a few weeks ago in each tank. The tanks dont seem to be as clear as I think they should be either. I have been changing 10-15% water per week. Any help and advice appreciated. Thanks- John

 

[darknes]

First off, welcome to the boards!
I would recommend going and getting a test kit to test your water levels (ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, pH, etc).
If your tanks haven't cycled yet, or are still cycling, don't do any water changes until it's finished.
Also, what type of tank are you going to set up? Reef or fish only? If you are going with a reef, you need to get more live rock in your tanks, and probably more lighting.
Check your water parameters, and post them, and we can go from there.:happy:

 

[bigarn]

Did either one cycle yet?

 

[w9rpm]

The tanks are still cycling. The ammonia level is almost at zero and the Nitrates and Nitrites are almost there. .025 I think the last time I checked. Ph is at 8.0. Temp is 77. I am planning on starting with Fish only at this point with the goal of another larger tank that is a Reef one at some point when I have more experience.

 

[dacia]

When new tanks are cycling, they will not look clear, and algae will grow. Strange colors will also be seen on rock and walls.
After the cycle is complete, add your cleaner crew of snails, crabs, starfish, etc. They will clean up the mess from the cycle and add some life to your tank. After about 2 weeks or so, add a couple of fish that you want. You don't want to add fish too fast though.
Good luck! :happyfish

 

[w9rpm]

Is it ok to be adding new saltmix to my tank as the water evaporates? Some of the books say yes and some no. Thanks

 

[lefty]

You want to add non-salted water to top off your tank. =)
-lefty

 

[darknes]

Originally posted by w9rpm
Is it ok to be adding new saltmix to my tank as the water evaporates? Some of the books say yes and some no. Thanks
Only the water evaporates, and not the salt...so, if you add saltwater for a topoff, you will only be increasing the salinity of your tankwater...
So, as lefty said, only add water to topoff

 

[steveoutla]

You might also want to cut your lights down to about 8hrs per day. Run the actinics 2 hours before and 2 hours after the daylights.