New Tank - New to Saltwater

[48hughey]

I am setting up my first saltwater tank and I tend to overthink/get paranoid easily.

Background: 29g sumpless, 20lbs pukani dry rock (cooked/cured for 6 weeks), then added to display tank with sand to finish cycle. A week and a half ago, parameters indicated cycle was complete, so I added a cleanup crew. There was no visible algae growth. I have been dropping in a few flakes every other day to feed the bacteria (and the emerald crab seems to like it).

Today I noticed some orange algae (diatoms?) growing on the sand bed and on the rocks.





Based on my reading, this seems normal for a newly established tank (and may/will get worse as the system becomes established)? I was thinking about adding my first fish next weekend, so I want to make sure all is good before that happens.



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[Ron Reefman]

For somebody who 'tends to overthink/get paranoid easily" you seem to be doing a pretty good job so far. Yes, I believe you have the start of a diatom bloom, and it will definitely get worse, maybe MUCH worse before it's over. If you just clean it off the glass and blow it off the sand with a turkey baster, it will go away on it's own in 1 to 3 weeks... roughly.

Your tank is cycled, that's a good first step. But that's like a baby being born. Now the tank has a LOT of growing up and maturing to do and that will take months, maybe even a year. There is an old saying here, "Nothing good happens quickly in an aquarium!" So be patient and take your time. Read about anything you are considering doing BEFORE you do it. Then ask questions here if you feel you need help.

You are probably OK for a first fish, and I'd suggest you consider an algae eater like a herbivore blenny. I can help the clean up crew.
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/p...3+94&pcatid=94.

[48hughey]

Originally Posted by Ron Reefman

For somebody who 'tends to overthink/get paranoid easily" you seem to be doing a pretty good job so far.

Thank you for the vote of confidence and the advice.

Originally Posted by Ron Reefman

There is an old saying here, "Nothing good happens quickly in an aquarium!" So be patient and take your time. Read about anything you are considering doing BEFORE you do it. Then ask questions here if you feel you need help.

I think this is where the overthinking comes in. I will read and read some more, then when I finally jump in, I second guess myself. I started planning this tank over a year ago, so it does feel like my baby, and I don't want to screw it up.

Originally Posted by Ron Reefman

You are probably OK for a first fish, and I'd suggest you consider an algae eater like a herbivore blenny. I can help the clean up crew.

I was considering the following stocking list:

* Orange Stripe Prawn Goby
* Candy Stripe Pistol Shrimp
* Fire fish x2
* Royal Gramma (I really like the "cleaner" look of the Bicolor Dottyback, but the possibility for aggression I am reading about makes me nervous in such a small tank)

Would you suggest adding a blenny to this list, or replacing a fish so as not to overstock? I already feel like it may be too much.

Eventually, I will be adding coral. Here is a look at the aquascape, if that matters:



Thanks again!



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[Ron Reefman]

IMHO any of those on your list are OK. I'd just think straight herbivore first to help with diatoms and the upcoming bout with algae. LOL! BTW, the firefish are cool, but be sure you have a screen (better) or cover (not as good) for the tank. Those guys are well known for tile or carpet surfing (jumpers).

[48hughey]

Originally Posted by Ron Reefman

BTW, the firefish are cool, but be sure you have a screen (better) or cover (not as good) for the tank. Those guys are well known for tile or carpet surfing (jumpers).

I built a screen top, but there is a small (cluttered) opening in the back corner for my skimmer to poke out of and for power cords and the intake/output tubes from my reactor.

So, I guess the appropriate follow-up question is: "How good is their aim?"



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[48hughey]

Originally Posted by Ron Reefman

I'd suggest you consider an algae eater like a herbivore blenny.

I took your advice and picked up a lawnmower blenny on Friday.



The diatoms are gone, sans some straggling patches on the sand bed. The rocks are now covered with a bright green algae, and I am seeing some sort of *pods on my glass.



All seems to be progressing nicely. Thanks again for all of the feedback!



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