Not sure what to do.....

[polka]

Hello....I have a simple tank: 40 gal f/o, c/c sub, bakpak2, All readings are excellent with exception to nitrate which is .40. I have 1 small yellow tang, 1 clarki, 1 marron clown, 2 green chromis, 1 cleaner shrimp. Questions are : 1. I am running into an algae problem to which I have been told I should get some snails and crabs. Is this correct? 2. I was looking at the package deals here, the package for 20 gal. tank would seem to me to be enough, yes or no? 3. If I do get these snails and crabs do I acclimate them into my tank all at once? I know with fish you only do 1 or 2 at a time. I am getting kind of nervous about what to do. Thank you for your wisdom!!

 

[mr . salty]

How old is this tank?? Have you done any water changes yet?? A good skimmer,and water changes are about the only way to rid your tank of nitrates. Inverts(like what are in a cleanup crew) do not impact the bio system as fish do. So,YES,you can add them all at once. But they rarly eat problem algae.

 

[polka]

Mr. Salty, My tank is about 1 1/2 years old or new, however you want to put it. Anyway thank you for input. I understand about the water changes, how often is too much? What do you consider "problem algae"? what I have in the tank now is sort of golden and in places lime green. I wouldn't say that it is taking over but I would like to know what can control it. I usually do h2o changes every three to four weeks. I use the water purifier and let it sit for 24 hours before I use it. I also have the water circulating and heated to about 70. (this is after I add the salt.) then I drain some water and clean the cr. coral. Could you give me some advise on how often I should be vacuuming the sub? I have read all different opinions on this, what is yours? I thank you for your time and patience with my newbie questions!!

 

[polka]

I had one other question.....for a f/o tank does it matter what type of light? I currently have a 50/50. I had a hard time finding it locally, found a lot of 100% actinic. Does it matter?