nawilson89
New member
Looking really good. Pretty clear. Going to drop a bit of food for the group today.
Planning my macro algae/ seagrass tank
- Thread starter nawilson89
- Start date
Yay! You are off to an amazing start! Pics?
deepercon
New member
x D
x D
Wow, as i read through i come to find we were having the same problem.
I had the diatoms starting back again on monday-shut the lights off completely starting wed to kill off.Still no light except what comes in from the sun
(Im wondering if that will harm the macros i have in there until i start the light cycle again)
Murky water because of the bacterial bloom-today was the clearest day since last week(YESS!!)
I have a hugee chunk of chaetomorpha i got as a give that im thinking introduced some nasties in the tank that might have started the bloom. I dont want to jump to conclusions though.
Im so glad things are going well for your tank and hope that you can enjoy it as much as possible
x D
Wow, as i read through i come to find we were having the same problem.
I had the diatoms starting back again on monday-shut the lights off completely starting wed to kill off.Still no light except what comes in from the sun
(Im wondering if that will harm the macros i have in there until i start the light cycle again)
Murky water because of the bacterial bloom-today was the clearest day since last week(YESS!!)
I have a hugee chunk of chaetomorpha i got as a give that im thinking introduced some nasties in the tank that might have started the bloom. I dont want to jump to conclusions though.
Im so glad things are going well for your tank and hope that you can enjoy it as much as possible
nawilson89
New member
I haven't updated in a bit. So I'll do that now. Zero diatoms that I can see, and the bacterial bloom has been going away partially because I've done a 50% water change over the last two days.
Second LED bulb came, added light looks great so far. I'll be taking a few pics when I get back home, running a few errands.
I'm still conflicted on what I want to put in this tank. I barely see my Royal Gramma.
Thinking of getting two cheap clownfish and some shrimp and call it a day.
Currently leak testing a 2.5g tank that will serve as a dwarf seahorse enclosure (hopefully).
deepercon
New member
Thats awesome and the plans for those inhabitants doesnt sound like a bad idea at all. Once the macros start growing out, the fish will have plenty of options to "host" and whatnot.
Most definitely, pictures are the way to go. I have to upload some for mine...
And that seahorse tank sounds preeety great to be honest. Good luck with that and if its a small leak some silicon, elbow grease and a gigantic hour glass might do the trick ; )
Most definitely, pictures are the way to go. I have to upload some for mine...
And that seahorse tank sounds preeety great to be honest. Good luck with that and if its a small leak some silicon, elbow grease and a gigantic hour glass might do the trick ; )
nawilson89
New member
No leaks as of yet. So It's looking good.
Running a small airstone. Also testing my desk.It's a glass desk so I get nervous, but it's said to hold 100lbs. This is 25lbs.... Should be fine...
nawilson89
New member
FTS of my 20g. (ignore my girlfriends reflection, she was working)
Ok so time to talk about my next project.
Here is my 2.5g tank that I plan to house a few macro's and most likely a couple of mangroves (probably 2, maybe more?)
Also ignore my models, this is my computer desk, they will be moved once I start to get everything concrete for this little build.
Ok so time to talk about my next project.
Here is my 2.5g tank that I plan to house a few macro's and most likely a couple of mangroves (probably 2, maybe more?)
Also ignore my models, this is my computer desk, they will be moved once I start to get everything concrete for this little build.
GriffinMarsh
Member
Why I have yet to comment on this thread I will never know?!?!
Dude seriously the thing is looking fantabulously fantastic. I do have a couple questions and of course some comments. As you probably know I have had my fair share of caulerpa in my aquariums, and have experienced their wrath, which is why I'm not going to be adding it to my tank. Are you worried that the c. prolifera will out grow your shoal grass? I assume that the grass will have a longer blade structure to allow for the possibility of cohabitation, but just a potential heads up. If your are going for the sea bed/grass look I don't think you would mind one bit if the caulerpa took over. It truly looks like seagrass. Im almost positive that the caulerpa I originally got for my first aquarium was labeled as a seagrass. Lame. Any ways, I think that this is turning into something absolutely incredible. I can't wait to see more!
Dude seriously the thing is looking fantabulously fantastic. I do have a couple questions and of course some comments. As you probably know I have had my fair share of caulerpa in my aquariums, and have experienced their wrath, which is why I'm not going to be adding it to my tank. Are you worried that the c. prolifera will out grow your shoal grass? I assume that the grass will have a longer blade structure to allow for the possibility of cohabitation, but just a potential heads up. If your are going for the sea bed/grass look I don't think you would mind one bit if the caulerpa took over. It truly looks like seagrass. Im almost positive that the caulerpa I originally got for my first aquarium was labeled as a seagrass. Lame. Any ways, I think that this is turning into something absolutely incredible. I can't wait to see more!
nawilson89
New member
C.Prolifera has definitely outgrown EVERYTHING in my tank. Seagrass included. Currently I barely see the Seagrass, but I do see a few shoots now and then. Once I actually start this 2.5g tank I'll pull a bunch of prolifera and add it to the 2.5 to help it cycle.
nawilson89
New member
Well, holiday's over. Time to get up to date.
Had about 3 days of no lights and a 10g filter running on the back.
Clear tank.
Just, wow... Clear.
Caulerpa is fine. It's getting really tall. Gracilaria seems to have grown as have the dragons breath. Codium is being codium and Halimeda hasn't really done anything. Really thinking about taking it out and trying something else (What I really want is grape caulerpa).
Probably going to order a few things from another reefer this week. Over all, things are looking great.
After the 3 days of darkness and turning the lights back on, I've seen more of my Royal Gramma than I ever have. He's grown a bit too.
Haven't seen my hermits at all. I think the rogue hermit has killed them. So I never mentioned it before as I was planning on taking it out. I purchased a "blue legged hermit" and I say that in quotations because when i got home I had a good look at it and it's no blue legged hermit; from an LFS. Once I had a closer look I realized it was a thin stripe hermit. If you guys know anything about hermits, a thin stripe is a no go for this tank. They're a pretty big, brutal species, they kill and eat anything. Like i said I planned on removing him, but I threw him in the tank for a few days and he did ALOT of work with detritus and leftover foods. He also munched on caulerpa, now I think he's taken out the other two hermits so it may be time to go. I've taken a liking to him though. Heck, I may add him to my 2.5g when I get it running and then move him elsewhere when I decide to stock it.
Back to my 20g though. Still don't know what else to put in here. I'm about to breakdown and just get a pair of clowns... I like Gobies, basslets, and blennies but my tank can't support many of them without constant infighting and leading to illness.
Pics to come soon, this afternoon most likely.
Had about 3 days of no lights and a 10g filter running on the back.
Clear tank.
Just, wow... Clear.
Caulerpa is fine. It's getting really tall. Gracilaria seems to have grown as have the dragons breath. Codium is being codium and Halimeda hasn't really done anything. Really thinking about taking it out and trying something else (What I really want is grape caulerpa).
Probably going to order a few things from another reefer this week. Over all, things are looking great.
After the 3 days of darkness and turning the lights back on, I've seen more of my Royal Gramma than I ever have. He's grown a bit too.
Haven't seen my hermits at all. I think the rogue hermit has killed them. So I never mentioned it before as I was planning on taking it out. I purchased a "blue legged hermit" and I say that in quotations because when i got home I had a good look at it and it's no blue legged hermit; from an LFS. Once I had a closer look I realized it was a thin stripe hermit. If you guys know anything about hermits, a thin stripe is a no go for this tank. They're a pretty big, brutal species, they kill and eat anything. Like i said I planned on removing him, but I threw him in the tank for a few days and he did ALOT of work with detritus and leftover foods. He also munched on caulerpa, now I think he's taken out the other two hermits so it may be time to go. I've taken a liking to him though. Heck, I may add him to my 2.5g when I get it running and then move him elsewhere when I decide to stock it.
Back to my 20g though. Still don't know what else to put in here. I'm about to breakdown and just get a pair of clowns... I like Gobies, basslets, and blennies but my tank can't support many of them without constant infighting and leading to illness.
Pics to come soon, this afternoon most likely.
Glad to hear you got it cleared up. Can't wait to see pics!
2.5 gallons sounds kinda small for seahorses. But I know almost nothing about seahorses, so I'm no help. Maybe pygmy horses?
You should be able to get a few more cool fish in there. Most tanks benefit from an algae eater like a blenny. You could do a small school of masked gobies (kpaquatics.com). A chalk bass should get along with the gramma. Chromis, jawfish, goby-postol shrimp combo…lots of options!
I'd lose the hermit. How do you get attached to something destructive to your tank? You could replace it with a fighting conch. Big eyes, personality, and no destruction-except for algae on your sand bed. My two cents…
2.5 gallons sounds kinda small for seahorses. But I know almost nothing about seahorses, so I'm no help. Maybe pygmy horses?
You should be able to get a few more cool fish in there. Most tanks benefit from an algae eater like a blenny. You could do a small school of masked gobies (kpaquatics.com). A chalk bass should get along with the gramma. Chromis, jawfish, goby-postol shrimp combo…lots of options!
I'd lose the hermit. How do you get attached to something destructive to your tank? You could replace it with a fighting conch. Big eyes, personality, and no destruction-except for algae on your sand bed. My two cents…
nawilson89
New member
Yeah the 2.5 would be for dwarf sea horses. Or maybe a singular clown goby... I still don't know yet.
A school of masked blenny sounds fun, but I wouldnt know how my two neon goby would react, and a chalk bass with my gramma? I really like the sound of it because I do enjoy love Chalk Bass.
I'd have to read more about Gramma with a Chalk. Remember my tank is only 20g compared to your giant beast.
I'm thinking of the goby/pistol and hope they would stay away from the mud side of the tank, and my tank sand bed isn't deep enough for a jawfish.
Edit: As I'm browsing the site I see alot of fish thinking to myself "Where can this company be located. These all seem to be local fish"
And bam. I see it. Collected right in the Keys.
Edit 2: My attachment to hermit crabs... When i was young I spent alot of time in the Caribbean. I'm of Caribbean descent and I spent ALOT of time in Barbados. When I was there, I spent a large amount of time at the beach, collecting shells and learning about Marine Life. I would find alot of hermit crabs in shallow pools.
This hermit crab is destructive. You're so right and I should take him out. I will really will. I'll either get a less destructive species (there are some that can be trusted) or keep him in a stand alone system, just for him; well until he get's too big for me.
Last edited:
I have grammas and chalk bass on my fish list for my current tank. I expect them to get along because they tend to occupy different areas. But in a 20g, I don't know. I can definitely recommend the barnacle blennies for a 20. Cute, funny, and very hardy!
I too spent countless hours at the beach, growing up. But I did not become emotionally attached to any one critter (unless you count ladies in bikinis). I totally get it. A big hermit is amusing. It becomes a pet. Just be careful its influence doesn't put you in danger of letting sentimentality overrule smart ecosystem management.
How did I get on hermits again? Anyway, your tank's looking great and I look forward to more!
I too spent countless hours at the beach, growing up. But I did not become emotionally attached to any one critter (unless you count ladies in bikinis). I totally get it. A big hermit is amusing. It becomes a pet. Just be careful its influence doesn't put you in danger of letting sentimentality overrule smart ecosystem management.
How did I get on hermits again? Anyway, your tank's looking great and I look forward to more!
vlangel
Premium Member
Ok, so i know more about your tanks. So glad that everything cleared up. Sounds like you are on the right track. A 2.5g is a good choice for dwarf seahorses. Watch out for hydroids though. They often hitch hike on macro algae and grasses and will kill the fry and even adult dwarfs.
nawilson89
New member
I've always wanted Barnacle Blennies. I just have to be on the lookout for them.
And I totally understand. I love hermits and I know what they are capable of and what I can and SHOULD keep. Blue legs are small and don't do alot of damage, especially in small numbers. In my experience they would rather scavenge than kill a fish and if the two or three I keep have a taste for Caulerpa, by all means. Go ahead! There's enough to go around. I'm getting multiple leaves a day by the way.
I grow attached to hermits because i'm a hermit. :twitch:
nawilson89
New member
I'm glad you found me!
Hydroids: Check. I've read into them a bit and have planned to keep on the lookout in my current tank (I plan on cutting the macros in here to transfer to the 2.5g when ready.)
nawilson89
New member
And look what i found on a snail...
Poor guy is going to have to get tossed won't he...
vlangel
Premium Member
Ah, poor guy. I can't think of any way to rid him of that though. Maybe someone else can offer a suggestion?And look what i found on a snail...
Poor guy is going to have to get tossed won't he...
nawilson89
New member
I guess my question is... how bad are hydroids? i've read different things about them, like they come and go; nothing to worry about, or nuke the tank....
If these are just a fry killing, seahorse killer and I won't be able to have seahorses then that wouldn't be the end of the world...
I wonder if you could just scrub them off. I've not encountered them, so I don't know. I've read the most humane way to euthanize our critters is to freeze them, if that helps.
On another note, pics?
On another note, pics?
