how to start a reef tank

[cfasulo]

Whats up guys. Quick question, For the past 2 days i have been noticing my sand is looking alittle orange now i just came home from work and its alot orange and so is my rock what could this be.

 

[Germanman]

sounds like normal algae growth to me...just part of the process usually. is it a orange brown?

 

[cfasulo]

yeah its an orange brown.. i have a light that has the sun light bulb and then the blue bulb as i go to work i have been keeping just the sun light bulb on is that ok, could that be causing the sudden algae growth?

 

[Germanman]

yea thats prolly it. just check ur phosphates and other parameters and if it checks out it will even out soon enough.

 

[cfasulo]

my ammonia and nitrites are alittle high i am going to do a water change

 

[Germanman]

yea i would do water change asap.

 

[cfasulo]

ok i did the water change and hopefully everything is fine. One more question i bought some snails, crabs and shrimps like 2 weeks ago. i noticed that some of the snails and crabs have died off is this normal i think i had about 50 or so snails and crabs i think about 10 have died. also should i keep the sun bulb on during the day or should i put the sun bulb on with the blue bulb during the day.?

 

[Germanman]

might have been the ammonia. snails are common cause they cant turn over. and are u sure the crabs just didnt shed? if it was me i would run both together for a nice colored light.

 

[cfasulo]

if the crabs shed do they hide for a few days and take the snails shells. ok i am running both lights together. i did a water change when should i check the water again. should i give it 2 days

 

[Germanman]

cool cant wait to hear back from u