For prefix, I have spiked my tank doing a fish less cycle for 3 weeks and tested my parameters. I left the lights off this whole time, used live sand, nutri-seawater and that dry purple rock. Also using marine pure balls.
Ammonia - 0ppm
Nitrites - 0 ppm
Nitrates - 10-20 ppm
Salinity - 1.024
(I have not tested phosphates, Mag, etc.)
I added a pair of baby chocolate clowns after the initial cycle then a emerald crab, nassarius snail, and a trochus snail. I have decided after being convinced that I’m going to have the algea stage no matter what and how long I keep the lights off so I have decided to enjoy my desk tank now (fluval exo 13.5).
My main question:
Is there anything else I can do to control the inevitable aside from frequent water changes, sand vacuuming, and appropriate feeding? I think I am starting to form diatoms on the rock already.
Ammonia - 0ppm
Nitrites - 0 ppm
Nitrates - 10-20 ppm
Salinity - 1.024
(I have not tested phosphates, Mag, etc.)
I added a pair of baby chocolate clowns after the initial cycle then a emerald crab, nassarius snail, and a trochus snail. I have decided after being convinced that I’m going to have the algea stage no matter what and how long I keep the lights off so I have decided to enjoy my desk tank now (fluval exo 13.5).
My main question:
Is there anything else I can do to control the inevitable aside from frequent water changes, sand vacuuming, and appropriate feeding? I think I am starting to form diatoms on the rock already.