ALGAE - Common?

[schnebbles]

I'm contemplating a reef tank (will convert my freshwater 40) - I look around at pics and Craigslist and see tanks that are just green with algae! Is this common or have these people just been really bad at cleaning? or no cleaning crew in the tank?

I love snails, have them in my current tank.

would this light be ok ? my tank is 18" deep (40 breeder) - it looks like it can sustain some coral which I want eventually if I do this.
I want a light that sits on the tank.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GFTNG3S/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&th=1

 

[Bruce51]

don't know about the light...but do your research and check out http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1031074

 

[mcgyvr]

While some algae,etc.. is common with a "new" tank that usually clears up with proper maintenance/water changes,etc...

Lighting requirements depend on what you plan to keep.. Fish don't need light at all (just for you to enjoy them).. Corals need "better/stronger" lights to allow them to grow/thrive..

If corals look into marsaqua or galaxyhyrdo reef tank lights.. They run around $100 and are better for corals than the one you posted..

Make sure you learn to do it properly and you won't have a tank of green/dead,etc..
Cycling a new tank is very important..
Keeping the water clean and parameters stable is important..

 

[lockdown52]

Here's a link to lights for you:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/165W-MarsAq...Spectrum-Coral-Reef-Tank-Marine-/370857093101

 

[fishgate]

The ones you are seeing are the ones that were lazy with husbandry and hence an algae-filled tank and the reason they are selling it.

 

[alcimedes]

I'm super careful about getting stuff from tanks that look like an algae explosion happened. I'd worry about nutrient soaked rocks leaching back into my tank for god knows how long.

not to mention the likelyhood of bad hitchhikers seems higher in tanks that generally had poor husbandry.

 

[JZinCO]

The light you mentioned, I run. It is fine at keeping softies, mushrooms, zoas and the like. I got it used for $80 so I think it was fair but I wouldn't pay full price. I have an equally strong blue stunner to supplement and it seems to really benefit the coral.
Though.. you can get a 216w light bar for $80. It won't have the bells and whistles but sunrise/sunset, clouds, and lightning modes are all window dressing.
Knowing now that I got a marine kit for $80, a blue strip for $30 and am considering a 216w light...well I should have just paid more up front for one powerful unit.

 

[schnebbles]

How do you all hang that type of light? and, would 1 be enough for my 40g breeder tank ? 36" wide

Good to hear it's bad husbandry - I kind of figured it was. Not planning on buying anything from them, I have just seen them up for sale.

 

[schnebbles]

Though.. you can get a 216w light bar for $80. It won't have the bells and whistles but sunrise/sunset, clouds, and lightning modes are all window dressing.

what kind of light is this?

 

[Mad_Reefer]

I have something like the mars aqua on a 40g breeder and I haven't fully tested it yet but I think it will be great for anything. It is super bright. I paid extra for the wifi controller version and I'm glad I did.

 

[JZinCO]

what kind of light is this?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/351830764580
or search ebay for 216w reef led bar
Unfortunately I cannot find any reviews or information on this. I suppose testing the veracity is easy if you own a kill-a-watt.

 

[KaZeR.UK]

I've just bought a Mars Aqua that arrived yesterday and I'm super happy for the price I paid. £79. More than worth it, I'm yet to see the long term affects but I've heard nothing but good things. It might be worth looking into it.