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I bet some detrivores would be a good idea.So, My question this evening is if I add a Algae scrubber, do I need, or can i still have a clean up crew, or does the Algae scrubber put the clean up crew out of work?
I was actually thinking this exact thing, a very small crew, with possible supplementation! $0.02 cents is $0.02 cents! I appreciate the exchange rate! LOL!I bet some detrivores would be a good idea.
Something that depends on algaes for their diet, I would still get, but not as many who's diet you cannot supliment or provide without nuisance algae present.
I bet they will still get some as it can't be eliminated all the way to non existence, and you would need cuc tkeepep it invisible.
However I am a noob and this is only.my .02 based on algae free freshwater still being able to support snails and what I know about our microbiomes.
Rake this with a grain of salt
IMO absolutely still need CUC to keep the rocks, glass and substrate clean.So, My question this evening is if I add a Algae scrubber, do I need, or can i still have a clean up crew, or does the Algae scrubber put the clean up crew out of work?
Mine clean the glass, but I have barebottom tank so they love it . Algea scrubber does the bulk of the cleaning. Turbo snails seem to still be eating something, don’t exactly know what they are eating but they are freaking massive, I call my biggest “the ta
Great Name for a snail! I will be trying some cuc, ill watch them closely and suplement if needed, and not go with near the size of crews some suggest.Mine clean the glass, but I have barebottom tank so they love it . Algea scrubber does the bulk of the cleaning. Turbo snails seem to still be eating something, don’t exactly know what they are eating but they are freaking massive, I call my biggest “the tank”
So, Running a tank years ago, i just remember having a huge cuc, several fish to help, and still ran high nitrate and phosphate, i didn't have a huge algae issue, as i had a beautiful run of 4 or 5 different colors of coaraline, I also ran a phosban reactor at the time, with some success, and a uv. I have been out of the hobby for 16 or so years. I have started a 75 gallon, and want to focus on zoas and maybe some lps. with fish of coarse, learning what algae scrubbers can do, and knowing its a tunning thing to keep nitrates lower but not gone, and same as phosphates, im going to give it a try. I am more of a hands on guy, not really into automating anything.Every tank is different........you are doing nothing more than removing nutrients using the scrubber. Sometimes that means 0 algae growth in the DT (which would starve your CUC).....other times it will mean absolutely nothing lol. I guess the question that needs asked, is why are you using a scrubber? Do you have algae and nutrient issues now? Scrubbers can work VERY well....sometimes too well, especially if they aren't needed.
I will say this on starting with it.So, Running a tank years ago, i just remember having a huge cuc, several fish to help, and still ran high nitrate and phosphate, i didn't have a huge algae issue, as i had a beautiful run of 4 or 5 different colors of coaraline, I also ran a phosban reactor at the time, with some success, and a uv. I have been out of the hobby for 16 or so years. I have started a 75 gallon, and want to focus on zoas and maybe some lps. with fish of coarse, learning what algae scrubbers can do, and knowing its a tunning thing to keep nitrates lower but not gone, and same as phosphates, im going to give it a try. I am more of a hands on guy, not really into automating anything.
I have also heard that there is some benefit to bypassing some early stage uglies in the tank if you start with a algae scrubber. But that being said, we do want some snails and crabs, my fiance is fascinated with it all, and i dont want to have to clean of a tank, that i dont need a cuc.
I personally wouldn't recommend a scrubber right from the start......it is more something you can add down the road if needed (I still have a brand new one sitting in the closet and this tank has been running for over a year now). I am not sure what caused your high nitrates and phosphates with your first tank but unless you have those same issues this time around, the scrubber might cause you more harm than good. I do think they are a great tool to be used when the situation calls for it Just keep an eye on nutrients......you can always use a timer and reduce the amount of time it is in use if you are set on using it from the start.So, Running a tank years ago, i just remember having a huge cuc, several fish to help, and still ran high nitrate and phosphate, i didn't have a huge algae issue, as i had a beautiful run of 4 or 5 different colors of coaraline, I also ran a phosban reactor at the time, with some success, and a uv. I have been out of the hobby for 16 or so years. I have started a 75 gallon, and want to focus on zoas and maybe some lps. with fish of coarse, learning what algae scrubbers can do, and knowing its a tunning thing to keep nitrates lower but not gone, and same as phosphates, im going to give it a try. I am more of a hands on guy, not really into automating anything.
I have also heard that there is some benefit to bypassing some early stage uglies in the tank if you start with a algae scrubber. But that being said, we do want some snails and crabs, my fiance is fascinated with it all, and i dont want to have to clean of a tank, that i dont need a cuc.
I can tell you the cause of the High nitrate and phosphate, A guy with a 180 gallon tank that got me into salt water, decided to move, I took on a very beautiful Purple tang, and a glorious half moon angel as well as a few others. Both the tang and the angel where way to big for my 75. He ended up not setting up his tank, and i ended up adopting the fish. They all did well, but i suffered from an over stocked 75. after having them for well over two years, i thought one more fish, added a gobbie, did not quarantine, and total tank crash due to illness. That, will never happen again!I personally wouldn't recommend a scrubber right from the start......it is more something you can add down the road if needed (I still have a brand new one sitting in the closet and this tank has been running for over a year now). I am not sure what caused your high nitrates and phosphates with your first tank but unless you have those same issues this time around, the scrubber might cause you more harm than good. I do think they are a great tool to be used when the situation calls for it Just keep an eye on nutrients......you can always use a timer and reduce the amount of time it is in use if you are set on using it from the start.
the HOB ice cap is what i ordered, I have the HOB Icecap protein skimmer which is a little noisey, It likes to gurrgle! Alot! lol. got to mess with it today. Its driving me crazy..I have both an Icecap algae scrubber and cleanup crew. Both seem to be getting along just fine.
Great info, My tank just completed its cycle, I started the algae scrubberI started mine right out gate on this reefer 350 g2 and have had no nasty start up algae. But you will still get some of the proper algae on your rocks and glass. I have 6 snails, 6 hermits and 1 hippo tang for clean up. They clean the rocks up pretty good but you will still need to scrape glass.