Is this normal?

[lordfih]

Hello I’m new to salt water but have been keeping fresh water fish for 5 ish years and this hair algae will not go away I added 20 snails and 10 blue legged crabs to my tank (32 gallon bio cube) and I have 2 clown fish in there any recommendations/ suggestions and is this normal ?

 

[ColorMeGone]

You'll have to manually remove it and make sure all your nutrients are in check.

 

[lordfih]

You'll have to manually remove it and make sure all your nutrients are in check.

I just bought a salt water mast kit from api should I get the reef master one too?

 

[ColorMeGone]

I don't like API test kits and would return if you can. I use Nyos for N03, Cal., and P04, and Salifert for KH

 

[ColorMeGone]

Make you get a refractometer to if you don't already have one. You can get the ATC ones for like $15 on Ebay.

 

[lordfih]

Make you get a refractometer to if you don't already have one. You can get the ATC ones for like $15 on Ebay.

Okay thank you, but the hair algae is normal and my clowns should be okay?

 

[lordfih]

Make you get a refractometer to if you don't already have one. You can get the ATC ones for like $15 on Ebay.

And also do you recommend starting a protein skimmer now

 

[ColorMeGone]

Your clowns will only be ok if your water is right so get on that asap. I would invest in a Automatic Top off also to keep you water's salinity in check. Don't worry about a protein skimmer just yet. Looks like your tank may not be fully cycled and you need to make sure everything is on point first.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

You'll find that a major difference between salt and freshwater is that algae is a major menace in saltwater. For me, 80% of this hobby is about algae prevention. I'm not sure what you've done about it so far but IMO some of the basics are... Good water flow is important, I would add another powerhead. You should be doing weekly ~20% water changes, and removing the algae manually during the water changes. Don't keep the water too warm. Feed small amounts frequently, don't let any food go uneaten. Try feeding frozen instead of pellets or flakes, rinse the frozen food first.

IMO get salifert or Red Sea test kits, not API

I would aim that powerhead upwards to agitate the water surface to help oxygenate the water. That much algae will decrease the oxygen levels at night.

Good luck