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Post by ree123 on Jan 25, 2012 11:01:09 GMT -6
Hi all members.
We have had a couple of folks to join us recently as registered members, and I have received personal e-mails from them asking me questions about saltwater issues/tanks/fish/algae/invertebrates/etc...
I was a salt water hobbyist for some 6 months, many moons ago, and know little on salt water issues.
I am going to reference them to this thread to pose/post their questions for any of you that can offer advice to them if they log back on to ask.
I know a few of you maintain salt tanks, so am hoping you can guide them in the correct direction, even if you don't know the answers.
We are a club for all kinds of aquatics, and I realize most of us are into either African's, S.A.'s, or C.A.'s, but we need to accommodate these folks if we can.
Thanks.
Rick
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Post by bgruchow on Jan 25, 2012 12:20:43 GMT -6
I have a saltwater tank and recently had something show up in my tank out of nowhere. (Must have been on Live Rock) I also just recently purchased a purple tang and they are not cheap. I really want to make sure that this new guest is not going to kill any of my fish. I think it is an anemone. Is this somehthing I want to kill like aptasia or is a a desired anemone that I can keep or should I get rid of it. Thank You Attachments:
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Post by mof5blessings on Jan 25, 2012 12:25:22 GMT -6
Hi, I am one of the new members. My name is bonnie. One of the questions I have is what to do with red algae. We have heard that it will take over your tank. My husband keeps the tank really clean. I read somewhere that the stuff they try to sell you in the fish store will work to get rid of it. But that it is a temporary fix. I was wondering if there is something that will eat it. Right now we have a 55 gallon tank with a maroon clown fish, two yellow tail damsels, a green chromis, and a couple snails. We have had this tank up for almost two years. Just this fall we decided to try to make a reef tank. I would love to add some corals. But I know I need to get rid of the red algae first. Thanks for any help.
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Post by bnoel210 on Jan 25, 2012 12:35:45 GMT -6
I actually had red algea blossom in my freshwater tank about a year ago and i could understand why. After doing some research the brand of air tubing i was using had a recall or complaints i cant remember stating that for some reason something with there tubing was actually causing this. Kind of awkward i know, but have you added any new equipment or anything to the tank recently? Also not sure about saltwater but i also used the blanket method for algea in the past. Algea needs sunlight to grow so for 3-5 days i left my lights off and covered the tank with blankets so no direct light could get in. Not sure if that is even an option with salt tank, but i deposited my 2 cents and tried to help. Keep us posted.
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Post by davidtcb1 on Jan 25, 2012 14:34:22 GMT -6
The product chemi-clean will help, yes. I've also read that Mexican red-legged hermit crabs will do a great job of eating this cyanobacteria. Although, they are known to kill/eat snails.
As with most aquarium issues, frequent water changes and not overfeeding will help as well.
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tndad
FORUM BEGINNER
Posts: 8
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Post by tndad on Jan 25, 2012 15:40:42 GMT -6
Another new member doing SW here. I am sure I will have more questions as we go along.
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Post by davidtcb1 on Jan 25, 2012 15:42:32 GMT -6
Welcome TNdad! Glad you found us here! Ask away.
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Post by mof5blessings on Jan 28, 2012 11:07:30 GMT -6
Thanks for all your help. I think I will go look at some red legged hermit crabs. Also I thought about turning the light off in my tank for a few days.
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Post by gymnothorax on Feb 8, 2012 2:13:16 GMT -6
Red slime algae, or cyanobacteria, does not thrive well in areas of strong current, but often becomes a large problem in tanks with insufficient water movement. First you have to kill it, do a small water change and siphon out as much of the "slime" as possible and follow that with a treatment of Chemi-Clean, (be sure to turn off your protein skimmer if you have one). Then add a powerhead, (or powerheads), to increase the circulation in the area where the cyanobacteria is growing and that should prevent it from coming back : )
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Post by bnoel210 on Feb 8, 2012 8:45:23 GMT -6
Can this happen in fresh water also?
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Post by gymnothorax on Feb 8, 2012 8:57:07 GMT -6
Most all of your freshwater algae issues are a result of either too much light, too many nutrients, and too little water changes. I've seen similar looking outbreaks in freshwater but I would approach them differently, most often a large water change (vacuum the gravel thoroughly) and adjusting your light cycle and feeding routine
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Post by crazydaz on Feb 8, 2012 18:00:12 GMT -6
The opposite of this is true, as well! Too little light, not enough nutrients, and too many water changes can cause algae outbreaks as well in freshwater systems. As a personal choice, I never vacuum my substrate as it would deplete the beneficial nitrifying bacteria that tend to keep the water clean. Shows you how different fellow hobbyists can be!! And achieve the same results, too!
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Post by bnoel210 on Feb 8, 2012 18:29:46 GMT -6
Thats why this forum is so good at times. You hear many opinions that have worked for others and you can tweek the info you got to make it work for you.
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Post by gymnothorax on Feb 9, 2012 13:01:19 GMT -6
The nitrifying bacteria is on the surface of your rocks and will not be depleated through gravel vacuuming, rinsing is a different story. Though your methods are fine for most freshwater tanks I want to clarify that this is not likely to work in a saltwater situation as a build-up of excess organic waste in your substrate will likely drop your ph to lethal levels, Like i've been saying for years, doesn't matter how clean you keep your house, if you never "flush the toilet" you will eventually have a problem on your hands : )
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