Looking for some help

L

LA

I know you guys probably get tired of answering the same questions, but I just found this site a few weeks ago and have been stalking it for information. I wish I had found it a year ago when I was given a 20 gallon tank which I set up as a salt. I currently have two fresh water, and they are doing fine with little maintenance. I have tons of questions about the salt water tank, and I am sure I have made some mistakes and looking for some advice on how to improve. I have the basics down - i think and have been able to keep the tank going for a year. It doesn't look half as good as some that I have seen here, so hoping for some input. I will start with the top of the list on questions and go from there.

Description of my set up.
20 gal glass tank - no top
Coralife light 65w Actinic / 65W 10000
Prism skimmer
Air flow jet
15 - 20 lbs of LR
Live Sand - 2 inches
Four fish - 2 green chromis, 1 false perc and 1 blue damsel
three scarlet crabs
1 zebra crab - very large but does not appear to be causing any issues
10 or so Nassarius snails
1 Astraea snail
1 banded sea star
1 green mushroom
2 Kenya trees (started with one, now have two)
some zoa's but not many

I would like to add some other small items in the future, but not until I feel confident my set up is going ok.

First, I have a severe case of GHA- or at least I think that is what it is. I have done two water changes in the past week, and will continue to do that - I am pretty sure my lack of water changes and overfeeding helped bring it about-after doing some research on here. I read you can use a toothbrush to remove some fo the hair in additon to pulling it off. Is it ok to remove the rock and brush it off in the sink, or does it need to be in the salt water (in a sep bucket).

Also, I don't have a test kit, just been using the strips. Is there a good standard kit anyone would recommend? And what are the typical levels to try to maintain.

Is there a recommended distance between the light and the water.

Again, my apologies for the newbie questions.

Thanks for the help.
 
Great thanks. How do I test for Phosphates?

I did turn my lights off today, as I had read that several times in an attempt to deal with the algae.
 
I use the saltwater and reef test kit by API.

http://www.petsolutions.com/Liquid-Master-Test-Kits+I17101034+C99999.aspx
 
I have been using RO/Di water but I don't think that was the problem, as I have had the tank for a year, and only over the last few months has the algae appeared. I did the lights out for three days over this past weekend, and I also used a toothbrush on the bigger pieces, and as of last night, it was looking much better. I am just going to watch my over feeding and keep up with the water changes, and I think I will be much better. I plan on getting the testing kit and if everything is in line, then I will look forward to the Frag swap to add a few pieces. thanks for the help.
 
@LA wrote:
I have been using RO/Di water but I don't think that was the problem said:
Hi,

Do you buy or make your own source water, either way make sure you test it for phosphates when you get the kit's. I wouldn't totally discount a source water issue. :wink:

Cheers,
Click to expand...
 
If you've been using RO/DI and the algae recently appeard it could be time to replace your filter cartriges or the membrane...

you should be able to pick up a TDS meter on eBay relatively cheap. I think they are a great tool.
 
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