New Tank diatom bloom identification?

[Kasey]

55g is cycled, a pair of clownfish in QT, CUC of 1 Turbo/2 Trochus/2 Astraea. My LFS didn’t have much with it being winter in Minnesota, and I wanted to start small. Do I need to add a couple Nerite or Cerith snails for the diatoms or will the Trochus take care of it? I also have a pineapple sponge that came on my live rock, how can I clean the brown red powdery stuff off of him? Thanks!

 

[RMS18]

Welcome to the ugly stages! All normal, let the tank do it's thing. The Trochus do eat diatoms. I would say a few more snails wouldn't hurt for a 55. Nassarius are great for the sand. I personally like the Trochus and Nassarius combo when i use a CUC.

 

[Kasey]

I live about a 2 hours drive from a LFS (but then we have SIX and Bulk Reef Supply headquarters!) We’re headed down there for something in a couple weeks and will pick up a few more. These guys went nuts over my live rock the first few days, and the Trochus have started to explore the glass. No one has touched the sandbed yet, they’re so fun to watch