20g Macro Algae/Seagrass build

[Eienna]

Ahhh there's your problem. Particulates and bacteria from the older sand you added are the issue. You'll need to run a sock or perhaps an HOB filter for a while to filter out the loose particles. The bacteria is most likely going to be beneficial. Let that settle and multiply on its own.

 

[nawilson89]

Ahhh there's your problem. Particulates and bacteria from the older sand you added are the issue. You'll need to run a sock or perhaps an HOB filter for a while to filter out the loose particles. The bacteria is most likely going to be beneficial. Let that settle and multiply on its own.

Thanks! I'll try that too.

I've never had a filter sock though. I'll try just the HoB Filter then.

 

[Eienna]

I recommend the Whisper EX filters, but the Aquaclears are nice too. Try to buy one rated for double your tank's capacity for best results.

 

[nawilson89]

I recommend the Whisper EX filters, but the Aquaclears are nice too. Try to buy one rated for double your tank's capacity for best results.

I'm planning on getting an aquaclear for all my tanks eventually, but right now I have no money. So I'll just get filter media for my little marina.

 

[Eienna]

I imagine you'll have to rinse the media frequently for a few days or so.

 

[nawilson89]

I imagine you'll have to rinse the media frequently for a few days or so.

100% prepared

 

[Eienna]

Haha. Best of luck. Let me know how it goes :)

 

[nawilson89]

Haha. Best of luck. Let me know how it goes :)

So my algae bloom has gotten nowhere so far. Hasn't cleared up in the least. Still waiting it out!

 

[Eienna]

So my algae bloom has gotten nowhere so far. Hasn't cleared up in the least. Still waiting it out!

The reason I suggested a filter sock is that it traps smaller particles than most HOB material will.
You could try Seachem Clarity, but some aquarists argue that the larger particles it creates (so it can be trapped by the filter) _might_ prove to be an irritant to fish.

 

[nawilson89]

The reason I suggested a filter sock is that it traps smaller particles than most HOB material will.
You could try Seachem Clarity, but some aquarists argue that the larger particles it creates (so it can be trapped by the filter) _might_ prove to be an irritant to fish.

I was actually recommended Seachem Stability elsewhere and have been dosing for two days. In the meantime I'm going to the bay this afternoon to see what I can find collecting wise and also just to be near the water.

 

[Eienna]

Stability adds bacteria. I would seriously hold off on dosing that until your water clears. They probably thought you had too much waste in your water causing the bloom, but in this case I expect Stability will make it worse.

 

[nawilson89]

Stability adds bacteria. I would seriously hold off on dosing that until your water clears. They probably thought you had too much waste in your water causing the bloom, but in this case I expect Stability will make it worse.

That was my previous thought also. So I did a few searches of algae blooms and seachem stability and the first few posts were also other positive comments on using it. So I'm taking the dive, if it doesn't work I'll switch to clarity.

 

[nawilson89]

So other than a few ghost shrimp, I didn't get much. Bummer.



29g has been clearing up. Looks like green hair algae and others are trying to move in and take over. I need to get a hold of some hermits!



20g has been looking really good. Here's a few pics.



Here's the FTS. Grape Caulerpa is dominant. There's actually four main macro in there each has its own spot. 3 were cut from a really large head of grape and has been growing quickly on their own. There are a few smaller heads cut from the 4 also!







Here's a shaving brush pulled from the 29. You can see the algae all over it. Next to it is some C. Mexicana it's slowly growing. I dose this tank once a week, but I think I need to dose more to keep everyone well fed. Also I really need to get some CO2 running. Behind the shaving brush is some gracilaria and a brownish algae I found in the bay. Not really sure what it is, but I would like to see what becomes of it.





Red Grape. Hoping it takes off also.







Can you see my blenny? I need to move it over to the 29 really bad. It's chasing the gobies. I think thats the reason I see them rarely now.

 

[Eienna]

Looks like it's getting better. :)

BTW, hermit crabs are useless for hair algae in my experience.

 

[nawilson89]

Looks like it's getting better. :)

BTW, hermit crabs are useless for hair algae in my experience.

I love how everyone's experience has been different. Since hermits have cleared hair algae for me before multiple times. Heck my mollies are said to "love" hair algae and these two won't even tough them.

 

[Eienna]

*shrug* My mollies are apparently more partial to diatoms XD

 

[nawilson89]

Mystery fish popped up and I got a few pics. Bad pics but they're pics.

 

[Eienna]

Hm, Might be some sort of blenny?

Kinda looks like your rockwork could benefit from being blown out with a turkey baster.

 

[nawilson89]

Hm, Might be some sort of blenny?

Kinda looks like your rockwork could benefit from being blown out with a turkey baster.

Yeah I asked for an ID in FISH discussion. Sounds like a blenny. Which was my initial thought.

My tank could use some TLC. Unfortunately I'm just not all here right now. The company I work for was bought out yesterday and it looks like I'll only be here for a few more weeks helping with the transition.

 

[Eienna]

Oh. :( Hope you find a good new job soon. That stinks like dead snails.