Hey everyone!
I’m new here so I hope this post is in the right place.
I have a nano tank 20g running since March with only live rock laden with feather dusting worms I think and a single black Molly to get things started. Two weeks ago we added a blood shrimp and he’s been happy and molted once. I didn’t think I wanted to add coral when I first set the tank up but now I’d like to add a couple of smaller pieces but am a little confused about these phosphorus vs phosphate checking devices. I ordered the ultra low range Hanna checker and have a nitrate one on its way. I saw a fair amount of what looked like white hair algae in the tank so I thought maybe I don’t have the right balance of something for a coral. Did I order the right one? Where should my levels be and do I need to order something else rather than the ULr checker or some supplements to add to the water? I prefer an accurate reading as the colour ones are hard to tell- I’m not sure if my levels are too low, one the strips I get 0 but with the API vial kit I’m getting a little but not accurate enough for a beginner that doesn’t know how to really use the readings either.
Thanks in advance. Pic of my rocks with the algae for reference
I’m new here so I hope this post is in the right place.
I have a nano tank 20g running since March with only live rock laden with feather dusting worms I think and a single black Molly to get things started. Two weeks ago we added a blood shrimp and he’s been happy and molted once. I didn’t think I wanted to add coral when I first set the tank up but now I’d like to add a couple of smaller pieces but am a little confused about these phosphorus vs phosphate checking devices. I ordered the ultra low range Hanna checker and have a nitrate one on its way. I saw a fair amount of what looked like white hair algae in the tank so I thought maybe I don’t have the right balance of something for a coral. Did I order the right one? Where should my levels be and do I need to order something else rather than the ULr checker or some supplements to add to the water? I prefer an accurate reading as the colour ones are hard to tell- I’m not sure if my levels are too low, one the strips I get 0 but with the API vial kit I’m getting a little but not accurate enough for a beginner that doesn’t know how to really use the readings either.
Thanks in advance. Pic of my rocks with the algae for reference