12 gallon nano question

[jaydm93teg]

Fairly new set up getting my first brow algae out break not really on the glass more on the bottom of the tank on the sand bed near the front of the tank, I know its caused from over feeding so I have cut back on that and cut back a little on the light timing, The tank doesnt sit near a window so its not sunlight beaming in or anything, I am wondering what kind of critter or fish I can buy that is reef safe and not aggresive that will clean up some of that brown algae on the sand bed?

also how much water is "safe" to do a weekly water change on a 12 gallon nano, 2 gallons or some where near that?

Thanks,
Tyler

 

[weaglereefer]

Do you have a pic? Might be diatoms, and just part of the normal algae cycle.

1-2 gallons a week will be fine for regular maintenance, but if you're trying to lower phosphates or nitrates, a gallon a day would be okay as long as it's prepared ahead of time and matching temp and S.G.

 

[jaydm93teg]

I am almost 99% positive its from over feeding the tank has already done all of the cycle and I have bought a few new fish over the past week or so and left the lights on A LOT and feed a little extra to keep everyone occupied while i introduced new fish.....I want to get a little sand sifter but wanted to make sure I got one that would stay small

 

[jaydm93teg]

I do not have a pic I will get one up here in a little bit

 

[jaydm93teg]

actually after looking at it more closely it actually may be diatoms like you said, what would be the answer to clearing that up?

 

[pamelahaley]

I have a similar issue with a red/brown algae forming on the glass and sand. I now have to clean the glass 2 times a day just to see my fish! I had this problem before I moved and the tank was set up for 7 months. I just set up the tank in a new house last week.

I have a 24G tank I change 5 gal every week.
<span style="font-size: 11px">Posted via Mobile Device</em></span>

 

[pamelahaley]

I also have 7 nassarius and a money cowrie so, sand sifters ain't doing the trick
<span style="font-size: 11px">Posted via Mobile Device</em></span>

 

[pamelahaley]

...and like 3 turbos, 2 nerites and 2 margeritas... who do eat it but, not enough. I want a blue lynkia but, I'd be concerned for it's long term survival.

Come on folks.

This totally isn't from over feeding. I give barely a pinch of flake to my fish once a day and, sometimes I miss a day. I have a ton of scavengers between the nassarius, hermits and serpent star.

Water isn't grody, when I moved, I changed out about 75% which I know is too much. But, if it were a new tank problem. I think it would have solved itself in version 1.0 in 7 months. I saved a little bit of sand from my old tank to start off live sand, I didn't buy live this time.

I guess I just need more snails. I had an abundance of stomatella and, I didn't have to clean my glass for 2-3 weeks at a time but, the damsels I put in ate them.

 

[rorad]

What are your parameters like?

 

[pamelahaley]

I'll go get my water checked tomorrow. My lights are a few months old.

 

[moebious]

I have the same tank. I only do a 1 gallon water change every other week.
Considering how much rock and sand and stuff is in there, there is probably only ten gallons of water. So that is about 20% per month, the recommended amount. If you want something to clean the sand get a twin spot goby. I have one and it does pretty good with the tanks limited real estate.

 

[pamelahaley]

I've been limiting what I put in the tank to things I'm not worried about losing as far as animated live stock... I got 3 $4 Damsels to keep the tank lively until I finally get that peacock mantis shrimp. I don't want to have any fish I can get attached to become an expensive meal.

The last goby I had, had personality. Damsels are douche bags. I watch 3 quarter sized fish fighting over 24 gallons of water and can't wait to get the mantis that will eat them... is that cruel?

 

[rorad]

Not cruel, just the facts! I'm betting on the mantis shrimp.:up: