A couple of questions?

[Bahamiangirl]

I have these dark spots of algea on some of my rock its like thick Dark brown spots. What can I do about these?I also have bright green like aqua spot on the rocks. Is this good?http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b391/CElden/DSC00599.jpg?t=1173579788 (javascript:void(0);)
What is this ? Is it ok or not?http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b391/CElden/DSC00566.jpg?t=1173579730
I also have this green crab with furry legs is he ok?http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b391/CElden/DSC00584.jpg?t=1173580108
I am waiting for my book to some come to help me with these think to.

[johansonp]

Well, the red spots appear to be cyanobacteria, which is loosely grouped in with algae. You didn't post any water parameters, but since we see the cyanobacteria we know that there are enough nutrients in the system for them to flourish. You are using natural seawater; have you checked it for nitrates and especially phosphates?

I noticed that you have a canister filter on your system. The cyanobacteria can be dealt with in a number of different ways, but since you already have a way to employ a phosphate absorbing media, why not load up the canister filter with something like PhosGuard, PhosBan, Phosphate Sponge, or Polyfilters? If you are keeping up with your regular water changes and the phosphate levels are reasonably low to begin with, the unwanted algae (and cyanobacteria) should start to disappear. A good assortment of algae eating crabs and snails will also help, as will the addition of herbivorous fish and a vigorous flow of water in the aquarium.

The second picture is that of a Glass Anemone, or Aiptasia. You will want to get rid of the ones you see as soon as possible. One way to do this is to fill a small syringe with kalkwasser and inject the anemone. Some folks give them a shot of boiling water. I'm sure others will post their own methods of dealing with them. They are an unwanted nuisance and they can multiply quickly. The Copperband Butterfly is a fish that will prey on Glass Anemones, but they can be hard to keep in captivity and are best left to aquarists with a lot of experience.

The news is better for the guy in the third picture; it's an Emerald or Mithrax crab. They are herbivorous and are beneficial in the control of hair and bubble algae such as Valonia.

Your book will no doubt cover these topics in much greater detail. Good luck to you and your aquarium!

Paul

[Bahamiangirl]

my ph is 8.2 nitrate, nitrite, ammonia 0. will do a water change 20 % hopefully tomorrow.

[Germanman]

yea id add a phosphate removing media to the canister filter and then get rid of that apitasa.

[Bahamiangirl]

if my phos is 8.2 why is it doing this? i am trying to goet someone to get me some phosguard but dont kknow how long its going to take.
Also I have aragamilk should I use this now. I have only used it once that wsa about two or three weeks ago.

[Germanman]

ur phosphates are 8.2?! thats not good they hould be over .05 really...u sure that isnt ur ph? also phosguard is a terrable product and actually leaches a significat ammount of aluminum into the water i would use it. rhophos, phospure, and other "expencive" products are better to use.

[Bahamiangirl]

sorry i was talking about ph. dont have a test kit for phosphates. What about phosban?

[Germanman]

ok good..lol no the ph should be in the range of 8.0-8.4 so ur good.

[johansonp]

Based on the pictures you have provided I think you are becoming overly concerned about a very small problem. Remember, this is supposed to be fun!

PhosBan is a good product. I have read Germanman's objection to PhosGuard in previous posts. His personal observations are worthwhile to consider. Use one of the other products instead.

The next time you do a water change, siphon the algae off of the rocks. It has consumed ("fixed") nitrogenous waste from the water column and siphoning it out will export it from your system.

One of the more amusing aspects of our hobby is that the water from a system completely overgrown with algae can test extremely low in nitrates and phosphates. Algae can strip these nutrients from the water very quickly. There's plenty of phosphate and nitrogen in the system; it's just not dissolved in the water column where you can test for it.

My assumption throughout this discussion is that you are not using salt mixed with straight tap water or raw seawater . (Right?) You wouldn't want to inadvertently add the nutrients that you are trying to keep out.

For now, get your hands on some type of phosphate removal media and put it in your canister filter. Siphon away algae when you do water changes. And most of all, don't forget to enjoy your aquarium.

Paul

[Germanman]

Based on the pictures you have provided I think you are becoming overly concerned about a very small problem. Remember, this is supposed to be fun!

PhosBan is a good product. I have read Germanman's objection to PhosGuard in previous posts. His personal observations are worthwhile to consider. Use one of the other products instead.

The next time you do a water change, siphon the algae off of the rocks. It has consumed ("fixed") nitrogenous waste from the water column and siphoning it out will export it from your system.

One of the more amusing aspects of our hobby is that the water from a system completely overgrown with algae can test extremely low in nitrates and phosphates. Algae can strip these nutrients from the water very quickly. There's plenty of phosphate and nitrogen in the system; it's just not dissolved in the water column where you can test for it.

My assumption throughout this discussion is that you are not using salt mixed with straight tap water or raw seawater . (Right?) You wouldn't want to inadvertently add the nutrients that you are trying to keep out.

For now, get your hands on some type of phosphate removal media and put it in your canister filter. Siphon away algae when you do water changes. And most of all, don't forget to enjoy your aquarium.

Paul
nice very well said i completely agree i would have come up with something like that if i wasnt at school earlier.:)

[Bahamiangirl]

I am useing real saltwater and RO water for top off.

[Bahamiangirl]

has anyone heard off seachem phosphate media ? I think that is what the man said. I can't find any phosban.

[Germanman]

not sure just google it

[Bahamiangirl]

i hope its not phosguard because that what comes up.
this is what someone going to pick up for me.

[jojo22]

Phosguard is seachem. I have a bottle right here.

[Germanman]

jojo u know that leaches aluminum?

[Bahamiangirl]

so what should I do if this is what it is? Because where Im in the Bahamas it so hard to get stuff.

[jojo22]

That's why the bottle isn't empty

[Bahamiangirl]

I did a alk test this morning it was 0 or less is was a lighter yellow then 0. Hopeful I will get my media to put in filter today.

[johansonp]

You must be talking about an ammonia test, right? Surely your alkalinity is not zero.

Paul

[Bahamiangirl]

http://a1272.g.akamai.net/7/1272/1121/20061013200234/www.drsfostersmith.com/images/Categoryimages/thumbnail/th_27320_36781D_ph.jpg (http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=15475&N=2004+113074)This is the test I used But i did the alk in it not ph.maybe i did it wrong i will do it again when i go home from work and post tonight.

[Bahamiangirl]

ok i just got my phosphate media and its phosguard what should I do? I dont have another chose right now.

[jojo22]

I wouldn't use it!!

[Germanman]

if u use it over long time it will have negative aspects but a one time use wont do much significant ud be ok to use it once just get the better product asap.

[Bahamiangirl]

should I change some of the water when I put the phosband in filter. Our wait a couple of days.

[Bahamiangirl]

done my test before i put the phosguard in filter this is what they are
ALK normal (1.7-2.8) not sure exactly the right #.color closer to the bottom of this box.i think.
PH 8.3
nitrate 0
nitrite 0
Ammonia 0
it says to leave in for 4 days (wed)then should I change 20 % of my water?

[johansonp]

The idea would be to do a water change before you start using the PhosGuard. That way there would be less phosphate (presumably) in the system and the product would last longer before it needed to be changed.

You need to read the instructions again. If your phosphate level has fallen to a few hundredths of a part per million, you should leave the media in place until it starts to rise.

If your phosphate levels have not dropped to .02-.03 ppm after four days, the assumption is that the media is saturated and should be changed.

You should do a water change if it is time to do one. Regular water changes will extend the life of the media, but your water conditions drive the need for water changes, not the PhosGuard.

Paul

[Bahamiangirl]

my phosphate tester is not come yet for me to test the water. Also can some one tell me what eles I need to order I am try to make a order now? Stuff I will need any buffer or anything eles.

[Germanman]

do you have Ph or calcium buffers?

[Bahamiangirl]

I have aragaMilk witch is a calcium buffer.
anything eles.

[Germanman]

humm have all ur test kits?
thermometer?
and foods?
supplements?
vitamins?

[johansonp]

Did you ever get something to measure your specific gravity with? I know the guy at the LFS said you don't need one if you're using raw seawater, but I disagree and would bet I'm not alone on this matter.

Also, I noticed that your alkalinity test kit is giving you some trouble. Since alkalinity is one of the most important things to keep track of, consider getting an alkalinity test kit that uses the titration method (count the drops until the color changes) instead of color comparison.

Last but not least, how about a copy of "Aquarium Keeping and Rescue" by Carl Delfavero? I think you would find this book to be especially helpful to you.

Paul

[Germanman]

Did you ever get something to measure your specific gravity with? I know the guy at the LFS said you don't need one if you're using raw seawater, but I disagree and would bet I'm not alone on this matter.

Also, I noticed that your alkalinity test kit is giving you some trouble. Since alkalinity is one of the most important things to keep track of, consider getting an alkalinity test kit that uses the titration method (count the drops until the color changes) instead of color comparison.

Last but not least, how about a copy of "Aquarium Keeping and Rescue" by Carl Delfavero? I think you would find this book to be especially helpful to you.

Paul

that is an excellent book! also i agree about the natural saltwater thing...the freshwater still evaporates and becomes saltier....so u need to test for it.

[Bahamiangirl]

The brown algea is getting worse what should I do and I found one of my crabs deas today.

[Germanman]

what kind of crab? they just die sometimes. the algae is normal u juts have to wait it all out now and see how it goes...as long as ur water tests out great

[Bahamiangirl]

No I havent got my gravity measure thing yet still waiting on it.
Thecrab that died was my hermit crab.
I did a Alk test and ph test this morning.
Alkalinity Normal (1.7-2.8) was about 1.7 color
Ph 8.4
The test ws red sea brand.
Who make's the test kits with the titration method?

[johansonp]

If your alkalinity is 1.7 meq/L, that is not fine. It is too low.

Hagen, Aquarium Pharmaceuticals (API), Tetra, and most others use the titration method to determine alkalinity. Red Sea is more of the exception in that they use a color match test.

There's nothing wrong with the color match method, but since you're unsure of the readings a test that employs a simple color change may work better for you.

Paul

[Bahamiangirl]

so what should I do ? I have aragamilk will that bring it up.

[Bahamiangirl]

germanman this is what I have can you tell me what eles I need.
aragamilk,marine flake food,cyclop-eeze,garlic extreme,
Test kits magnesium,calcium by seachem.
Aquarium pharmaceuticals saltwater master test kit
Ph and Alkaline Test kit by red sea

[Bahamiangirl]

johansonp Paul should I put some of the aragamilk in the tank now and change the media?
What should I do to bring the Alk up.

[Germanman]

i would use the Kent Tech-CB buffer system it takes care of tha alk, ph , and calcium and works as its saposed to. also u need a hydrometer if u dont have one.
also do u have a reliable thermometer?

[Bahamiangirl]

I have a coralife digital themometer. Hopefully my hydometer and phosphate test kit will be here this weekend.Ok Thank you should I use the aragamilk till I get the tech-cb buffer?

[johansonp]

Yes, you can use the Aragamilk to increase the alkalinity.

At one point we had talked about the advice you were given by the LFS to dilute the raw seawater with freshwater. You're not still doing that, are you? That would cause your salinity to be low as well as reduce the carbonate hardness and PH.

I wouldn't change the PhosGuard until I had checked the phosphate level in the system. That stuff is pretty pricey and there's no point in changing it if it's not exhausted.

Be patient w/ regard to the algae. Run the PhosGuard, do your water changes, don't overfeed, and everything will come together.

Good Luck!

Paul

[Bahamiangirl]

The only fresh water I put in there now in the evaporated water r/o water.when I do water changes just salt water. Hopefully I will get my hydometer and phosphate tester this weekend.
Also do I really need a protein skimmer?

[Germanman]

i agree about the aragamilk. a skimmer isnt needed but would really help a lot with so many things.

[Reefscape]

Whether you actaully need a protein skimmer for a tank is a very hot debate. My opinion, is that all tanks should have one. Unless its a small tank like 10Gal because you have a very strict water change routine.

When you look at the crap and gunk that is in a collection cup on skimmer you have to think to yourself " are my fish and corals actually living in that?" crap?

Will let you come to your own answers to that little question. So, for me, YES i do think that one is needed...

Niko

[Bahamiangirl]

Ok I got my Hydometer it reads 1.020 and 82 degress. I dont know why my temp is so high I only leave lights on 6 hours a day and i only had 1 350 watt heater in the tank I turned it off last night and unpluged it. KH test dkh 9 or ppm kh 161.1. Now with Phosphate can it be lower the 0 because 0 is a little green and this is little more yellow.So can it be -something.

[johansonp]

Your specific gravity is too low.

You can't have a negative amount of phosphate, so I'm not sure how to answer your second question.

Make sure there are no bubbles sticking to the hydrometer pointer when you take the measurement. An air bubble on the back side of the pivot could cause it to read artificially low. Take the measurement several times to be sure.

I'm not terribly concerned about the temperature. I would be more concerned about the amount of light your tank is receiving. I would think your anemone would require more than 6 hours of light per day.

Paul

[Bahamiangirl]

When I did the specific I turned the power heads and filters off .I did check for bubbles didn't see any.
with the phosphate i did it twice to make sure .
How many hows you think the light should be on?

[NapoliNewJersey]

Your Spacific Gravity should be at least 1.023 and alot of people on this site thiink that is still low and you should raise that to 1.025.

Also alot of people on this site say the temp is fine at 78-82 ... I keep it around 80.

I trust the people on this site over and LFS or Internet FS.

[Bahamiangirl]

ALk 1.7
Ammonia 0
PH 8.2
KH 9/161.1
Phosphate 0
Gravity 1.022
Nitrate 0
temp 82 degress
Nitrite 0

Ok What do I need to do to get Alk up?
And going to add salt mix to get gravity up should I do this all at once to get it up or in a couple days?
KH is this ok ?

[NapoliNewJersey]

What I did to get my salt up was to mix a new 5 gallon bucket and mad the SG 1.027. I took 5 gallons out of my 55 gallon tank which was 1.022 and it raised me to 1.024. Took an hour to mix with pump and waited 2 hours to test it. Stayed the same and it's been a week. Hope that helped a little.

[Germanman]

What I did to get my salt up was to mix a new 5 gallon bucket and mad the SG 1.027. I took 5 gallons out of my 55 gallon tank which was 1.022 and it raised me to 1.024. Took an hour to mix with pump and waited 2 hours to test it. Stayed the same and it's been a week. Hope that helped a little.

yup thats the best way. just remember to take ur time if u add it all at once it can cause some shock to the animals.

[Bahamiangirl]

I used Hot water trying to kill that aiptasia and it did not kill it . It still there also should I take the rock out and scrub the algae off the would that help get ride of it or will it come back?

[Reefscape]

did you squirt the boiling water directly into its mouth? if not, then it not kill it as you need to blast em from inside...

Niko

[Bahamiangirl]

I tested 5 gallon of salt water that I have been useing and it has a PH 8.8 What can I do to this water to get this down untill I can get some sea crystals?
Is this why my tank has all this dark brown algae ? I was tring to use this water to get the gravity up. What should I do?

[johansonp]

The raw seawater has a PH of 8.8? Or is this something you mixed up yourself?

Any chance of getting a current picture of your tank?

Paul

[Bahamiangirl]

no this is raw saltwater .
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b391/CElden/CIMG1115.jpg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b391/CElden/CIMG1117.jpg

[Bahamiangirl]

I got my phosban last night should I take the phosguard out and put the pHosban in ?
I don't think the phosguard is working because the algae is getting worse not better and it been in the tank for this is going on two weeks.

[Star_Rider]

this is a great read..I am learning a bunch on this.:read:

you guys are awesome

[Germanman]

I tested 5 gallon of salt water that I have been useing and it has a PH 8.8 What can I do to this water to get this down untill I can get some sea crystals?
Is this why my tank has all this dark brown algae ? I was tring to use this water to get the gravity up. What should I do?
u can add RO water if it has a lower ph it will lower the ph


I got my phosban last night should I take the phosguard out and put the pHosban in ?
I don't think the phosguard is working because the algae is getting worse not better and it been in the tank for this is going on two weeks.
yes i would switch the products out. sometimes u just need to give time for the algae to even out. also changing the media more often can pull more out. it all depends on the levels of phosphates inside.

[Bahamiangirl]

my gravity too low to 1.020 so I need salt and it didnt come with my other stuff.

[musho3210]

1.020 is ok for fish only tanks, reef tanks need to be a bit higher

[Germanman]

most feel that 1.020 is still to low for Fo the ocean is typically 1.026 most reefs should be in the range of 1.024 or 5