My new 90 gal! Some questions

[Gluestick]

My new 90 gal AGA Megaflow has been up for a couple weeks now. After some issues with the lights, I am having some algae growth (I was kind of excited to see some life in there). It's mainly brownish orange with some green. It's on the rocks and sand. Not too much, yet. Now that my algae has started growing, what can I do to encourage coraline, the 'prettier' algae, and discourage the ugly brown?
At this stage, how often should I test and change water? Are there any other critters that you recommend adding?
I added some various snails and small red hermits two days ago, and there is so much snail poo! I saw a thread on this a while back, but it's not on new to the hobby anymore... Is there something else that eats this? I 3 each of nassarius, trochus, tiger turbos, nerites, astrea, and cerith. I also have one each domino damsel and yellowtail blue damsel.

 

[Gluestick]

PS. I will not be adding pics for a while due to the fact we only have dial-up! We'll be getting high speed soon though, and then I'll show off my new tank!

 

[clown2be]

You've got to love the priorities of a Reefer. Reef tank before high speed internet. Get a fuge going as soon as possible. Run the lights on it for 24/7 to grow all the neg algae in the sump/fuge and stock up on a cleaning crew for the main display. The purple will not grow in a brand new tank for months until you get your Alk/Dkh level up to 10 or 12.

 

[mg426]

thats it macros in the fuge to out compete the ugly stuff. proper alk and ca levels to promote coraline growth.

 

[PatMayo]

10 or 12 dkh not absolutely necessary. I typically run around 8 or 9 dkh.

The keeping them steady. I only test for alkalinity, calcium and magnesium. I keep the alk as stated above and the calcium is around 425 to 430. I also keep the magnesium around 1300 to 1350.

If you have high flow, good nutrient export, low or now phosphate you will be on your way. It takes time. Now is the time to start getting the parameters in line and understanding the chemistry of the tank. I would spend lots of time in the chemistry forum.

Most of all be patient and keep your hands out of the tank. All newbys want to fuss with the tank, tweak, do this and do that. Your best just keeping the important parameters in the right area. Calcium, alkalinity, magnesium and Ph. I would use a meter for the ph.

I hope this helps. Gluestick I think you have seen my tank. Don't forget it has been up for 109 days now. Give it some time.

If you had higher flow the poo you see will be in suspension and the skimmer should take it out. If you can see poo than I suspect your flow is insufficient.

Regards,

Pat

 

[Tbare89]

cool