Is this the ugly phase? Is my tank healthy?

[Jhbard]

I'm asking this because it hasn't been very long since I set up my tank and I'm not sure if it's because I'm doing this right or if I'm doing something wrong and this is a bad thing.

 

[shakacuz]

the start of it, yes. those are diatoms. you can add copepods to help with lowering the diatom bloom, but they should go away on their own as the tank continues to cycle.

 

[mues]

If you haven't cycled the tank, turn your lights off. Will kill them off

 

[Jhbard]

If you haven't cycled the tank, turn your lights off. Will kill them off

My live rock came with a baby emerald crab he's doing great and I don't think doing that's a good idea

 

[shakacuz]

My live rock came with a baby emerald crab he's doing great and I don't think doing that's a good idea

emerald crabs do not need light to survive. it is beneficial, though. you decide: want more algae to grow? or to reduce the "uglies"?

 

[Jhbard]

emerald crabs do not need light to survive. it is beneficial, though. you decide: want more algae to grow? or to reduce the "uglies"?

I don't mind the look I was just worried about the tanks health.

 

[shakacuz]

I don't mind the look I was just worried about the tanks health.

the uglies are a normal part of the tanks "growth". it will still go through the phases, but cutting the lights off will minimize it all.

 

[mues]

Emerald crabs in my experience prefer coming out in the dark. I have 3 in my tank and I do not ever see them when lights are on. To each their own. Diatoms are part of the process

 

[landlubber]

mine sure got a whole lot uglier than that. strap in and enjoy the small victories.