The Puffer Forum

J-P wrote:Definitely an algae of some kind.

The mag float is your friend

What is your nitrate level?

Will I hurt the pods? LoL I was just afraid to mag float the glass because I didn't want to interfere with anything. I just got it up and running, I don't need to mess it up lol

Here are some more pics of stuff that I saw and wondered what it was:

http://denzil.smugmug.com/Pets/Puffers/ ... JwsgJ-A-LB <-- the tiny white branch like things...these move and sway and stick out
http://denzil.smugmug.com/Pets/Puffers/ ... fccDs-A-LB <-- this long grey thing is crawling around everywhere! I see several of them too
http://denzil.smugmug.com/Pets/Puffers/ ... GGmJL-A-LB <-- here is a pic of one of my emeralds..

Tests are in!

SG: 1.0235
PH: 8.0
Ammonia: 0
Nitrites: 0
Nitrates: > 5ppm
Ca2: 520 ppm
KH: 179
GH: still fighting this one


SG is a little high so I am going to be adding some more RO water in to the tank. Hope this helps! Any idea why I am getting so much algae? Is there another creature that I can acquire that will take this stuff off asap?

The mag float won't hurt the pods, but having a clean up crew with a puffer may prove to be difficult.

I'd ask PP on this one. I can't really say because none of my tanks have algae (knock on wood).

Pic1 are tubeflex worms I believe / feather dusters.
Pic 2 the worm... can't tell what kind.. will take time to research it.

Nice shot on #3

I actually have that exact algae. When out gets longer, it looks like feathers. It's really not too bad looking. My nerites, turbo, and hermits were able to keep it in check.

Oh, I also ran only actinics for a while and it started turning white and dying off, the CUC took care of the rest.

sevenyearnight wrote:I actually have that exact algae. When out gets longer, it looks like feathers. It's really not too bad looking. My nerites, turbo, and hermits were able to keep it in check.

What the heck is my CUC doing then?!?!?! It's getting EVERYWHERE and I am afraid that it might take over and kill all the LR (I don't mind the way it looks, I just worry about the LR lol) = / looks like I should get a few turbos and some SW nerites....

J-P I am hoping that putting a bunch of shells everywhere confuses the little booger and he leaves them alone. Not sure how this will work though, so I am keeping my fingers crossed LoL.

J-P wrote:Pic1 are tubeflex worms I believe / feather dusters.
Pic 2 the worm... can't tell what kind.. will take time to research it.

Nice shot on #3

Thanks! Cause that wormy thing is still hanging out on that same rock, just there haha. LoL and that shot was the first time I have ever seen the emeralds out and about....but of course, as soon as he saw me, he zipped under the rock so fast I almost missed it haha.

CUC is Clean Up Crew. The algea wont hurt your live rock . But watch out it can get outta hand quick . LOL Turbos are great but sometime you have to put them in the areas that you want them to work on .

chuckfriedrice wrote:CUC is Clean Up Crew. The algea wont hurt your live rock . But watch out it can get outta hand quick . LOL Turbos are great but sometime you have to put them in the areas that you want them to work on .

Ah ok. Here is where my lack of knowledge is showing...I got the two emeralds because I was told that they are algae eaters like crazy. I should have asked here first, but I didn't think about it until I was at the LFS, asking some questions. The algae is starting to get out of hand, IMO, but I am not a big algae fan, and I don't like it in my tanks haha. Guess I need to go out and get a few snails.....sooo. Turbos and Nerites? Any other recommendations for any other additions to the tank? I have two emeralds and two brown clawed hermits right now.

So, what params have been constant. Thinking about calling up my LFS on Monday morning and telling them that I am ready for them to order me my little Yoshi. Any thoughts on this? It will be set up for 3 weeks this coming Tuesday. My only "problem" is still the algae, so if any one has any other recommendations of critters for the tank, please let me know. Any advice? Any things to watch out for?

Oh and my rocks are so many colors!!! I knew the LR would seed, but I didn't realize how fast it would be. Some of the rocks that were just an off white rock color has now tinges of the fiji red, blue, and green. Substrate is getting color full too! Never knew SW tanks could be so darn interesting haha. =)

Seeding is the action of liverock transferring its lifeforms to base/dead rock or sand.
Your rock is just maturing. Just wait out the algae.
You should be great to order Yoshi.

sevenyearnight wrote:Seeding is the action of liverock transferring its lifeforms to base/dead rock or sand.
Your rock is just maturing. Just wait out the algae.
You should be great to order Yoshi.

Thanks seven! What a dumb question, but will the algae go away on its on? Seems like it's flourishing, but I don't know what to expect since it's my first SW tank. I'll let you all know what they say tomorrow morning! =D

The only thing you can do is add more snails and crabs, and you can also change your lighting. If you have full spectrum lighting, the algae will do well. I ran just actinics for a week or 2, most of the algae died. Make sure your light cycle is no more than about 8 hours, even as short as 6. As the tank matures, the algae should start to dwindle.

Ok so, it looks like I have a dead crab???? I know they molt, but I thought it would look like a snake skin, and man, I see claws and everything....he was find last night....is this a molt or did he die????? LoL there is nothing in the tank but 2 hermits and two emeralds, and the bigger hermit is mia.......


****edit: HOLY HELL HE MOLTED!!! OMG. That looks terrible!!!! And I was looking for a moving shell, but he's nekkid.

Lol, hermit or emerald?
My installs crab had molted twice, he's getting big!

sevenyearnight wrote:Lol, hermit or emerald?
My installs crab had molted twice, he's getting big!

Lol hermit. I saw a see through skin, but the chunks of shell and his claws. I for sure thought the smaller one killed him, but that wouldn't make much sense. Then I was looking for a moving shell, and didn't see one. Then I saw his nekkid lobster butt walking the rocks looking for more shells. I think I need to get a few more for him....he's still going thru hid mid-house crisis lmao