Algae... Blooms... Cycle... Management... :D

[neogenix]

So, I've just recently had my new tank up and running (50G + Sump), it's been about 3 or so weeks of actually being up and running (did a majority water change when moving the LR around before the critters went in), and probably about 1 week or so worth of actually having critters in it (Initially 2 fish and a shrimp, then 2 fish, and then now another fish and another shrimp (3 fish, 1 shrimp, and 6 pieces of coral). I've just started to have a diatom bloom, and have noticed a little bit of green hair algae.

I'd like some info on experience from the masses before I go by what I've read to try and manage this as best as I can.

Info on my system:

I've around 100 LBS of LS, and about 100 LBS of LR (which both came from an established tank).

My CUC is currently :
~ 12 Nassarius Vibex
~ 15 Dwarf Cerith
~ 10 Florida Cerith
~ 12 Nerite Snails (Small - Medium)

I'm running 5 Red Mangroves (small) and a tennis ball worth of Chaeto (which has grown a little in the last week or so) in my sump, which is lit by a clip on with a 75 W Plant Light (but will be moving to a stronger light tomorrow).

My levels are all at the levels I'd hope to see (0 - Nitrate, 0 - Nitrite, 8.4 - PH, 0 - Ammonia (can't recall which test of the two I did, free or total, but it was 0, which ever one it was), 1.023 <-> 1.024 - Salinity (depending on day, and last top off)). Nitrates did spike a week or so ago slightly (ever so slightly, was just registering on my seachem kit), and salinity did drop last week to 1.021(ish).

I've been using R/O water from Walmart / H.E.B, until I get to the point that I'm going to buy myself a RODI system (which will probably be in a few weeks, but wanted to rather spend the money on something other than that in the meanwhile).

I've T5 Lighting (Pennies2Cents old system) running for around 12 hours a day (10 white + blue, 2 blue), with a 300 GPH from the sump to the tank, a Coralife 220 Skimmer, ChemiPure Elite (medium sized bag) and then 1 powerhead currently (will be getting 2x 750GPH in a few days from Marine Depot).

I'm about to do my first water change (the weekend coming) and am plotting a 15% change. I've been feeding emerald cuisine since I added the critters (initially one block, then 2 days later 1/2 a block, a day later 1/2 a block, and then 2 days later 1/2 a block, etc... day break between blocks, and 1/2 a block per day over 2 days). I've spot fed corals once with Coral Frenzy (post bloom).

Outside of that, I've been dosing the E.S.V 2 part for about a week now, the coraline seems to be 'popping' which looks better at least ;) and for the last day or so I've been adding magnesium, and will be testing for it tomorrow onwards.

So what do you guys suggest I do to assist managing the bloom / tiny bit of hair algae? Here's my plan, please feel free to tell me what else to do ;)

* - 10% water changes every 5 days (30% over 2 weeks)
* - Increase flow in tank (as of Monday)
* - Add some more snails, possibly turbo's for the meanwhile (as I've not got much they could push over, my frags will be moving into a frag rack shortly, thus there's nothing for them to really push around)

So, ideas?

[kkiel02]

Phosban and caulerpa(I use grape) in your fuge are some of my biggest nutrient removers if you will.

[alton]

Time, I have attached photos of my 29 in Jan. and a recent picture. I have Scarlets, Hawaiian Zebras, and a baby chevron Tang. I do 5 gal a week water changes, dose with 2 part once a week and that is about it. The first two are from Jan. and the last two are recent. Just keep up with good maintenance and lighting.

[Big_Pun]

everything your doing is fine, just keep up with just as you have been doing and as Alton stated "time" CUC can seem slow but they will eventually do their job. i just learned that even adding a stronger light can cause a cycle. when i upgraded my light and added the mini fuge to my pico, i got a big red slim outbreak, the whole tank was covered, it took a month for it to swing back and adjust, water changes and a bag of chemi pure is what did the trick, if you still have my number call anytime if you have questions.