flynnternet
Aquarium Advice Regular
First post, lots of questions:
I've got a 29gal tank with LS and ~35lbs of cured LR. I run a Fluval 340, CPR BakPak skimmer, and a Hagen Aquaclear 301 powerhead. My lighting is provided by 2 20W GE Aquarays (embarrassed to say I have no idea if these are NO or VHO or what). I've been using RO water and cycling for almost 4 weeks now.
Do I need better lighting if I plan on getting some beginner corals? Also, should I be leving the lights on all day and night, or should I turn them off at times.
I am also considering adding a second powerhead. Is this necessary?
My levels as of yesterday: 0.25ppm NH4, 0.0ppm NO2, and 5.0ppm NO3.
I am a bit confused as to why my ammonia hasn't gone down much after all this time. Any insights?
Also, my phosphates and alkilinity are high and my calcium low, pH and salinity ok. I started using C-Balance supplement to bring the calcium up and hopefully the phospahtes down. Should I use a phosphate sponge of some kind at this point? I read that I wasn;t supposed to mess with anything until the cycling finished.
I have a few hitchhiker snails, as well as three polyps. Brown algae has begun to cover the equipment and tank walls. I have been scraping the tank walls where I can, but should I be worried at all about this?
Long post, but the first of many, I'm sure. Questions abound, and I've spent so much time/money/effort I don't want to screw up.
Thanks much.
I've got a 29gal tank with LS and ~35lbs of cured LR. I run a Fluval 340, CPR BakPak skimmer, and a Hagen Aquaclear 301 powerhead. My lighting is provided by 2 20W GE Aquarays (embarrassed to say I have no idea if these are NO or VHO or what). I've been using RO water and cycling for almost 4 weeks now.
Do I need better lighting if I plan on getting some beginner corals? Also, should I be leving the lights on all day and night, or should I turn them off at times.
I am also considering adding a second powerhead. Is this necessary?
My levels as of yesterday: 0.25ppm NH4, 0.0ppm NO2, and 5.0ppm NO3.
I am a bit confused as to why my ammonia hasn't gone down much after all this time. Any insights?
Also, my phosphates and alkilinity are high and my calcium low, pH and salinity ok. I started using C-Balance supplement to bring the calcium up and hopefully the phospahtes down. Should I use a phosphate sponge of some kind at this point? I read that I wasn;t supposed to mess with anything until the cycling finished.
I have a few hitchhiker snails, as well as three polyps. Brown algae has begun to cover the equipment and tank walls. I have been scraping the tank walls where I can, but should I be worried at all about this?
Long post, but the first of many, I'm sure. Questions abound, and I've spent so much time/money/effort I don't want to screw up.
Thanks much.