New nano questions?

[clutchcargo]

I've had my nano set up for about 1 week now.
The clean-up crew was added the day after the rock. I know that was a little too soon, but TBS ensured me that it would be OK. I do about two water changes a day and add a water conditioner (Amquel) to combat the ammonia levels (about 1-2ppm).
So far their have been no fatalities except for some sponge that came with the rock.
The LR I got has a number of clams attached to it, I know I don't have the lighting requirements to keep them (LOA 65W), so should I get rid of them or leave them?
Also, one of the Brittle stars seems to be losing the tips to its legs. Is this normal?
Let me know what you think.
Thanks
CC

 

[monkeyboy]

I guarantee you that those clams on your live rock do not need light. If you had photosynthetic tridacnid clams in your tank you would know, not to mention you'd pay 50 bucks a piece for them! The ones you have are filter feeders, i would start using one or 2 of the many phytoplankton suppliments available. TBS was wrong, if you threw a bunch of really uncured rock (which i assume because of your high ammonia levels) you should never have put a brittle star in, even the hermit crabs won't be too thrilled with ammonia. The brittle star is probably beginning to disintegrate because of your ammonia levels...

Do you have a skimmer? That would be most helpful during this curing time.

 

[clutchcargo]

Yup, I've been running the skimmer 24/7. I lost one of the cucumbers, found him buried deep in one of the caves.
As far as TBS, the LR was sent underwater, so I'm surprised that that there was still a fair amount of die off. That might be because I'm not lighting it the same as TBS.
The funny thing is that the Brittle star is the most active creature in the tank; even with some of his leg tips missing.
hmmmm, I'll continue to do twice a day water changes until the ammonia levels come in at <1ppm, At that point, I'll now the bacteria levels are starting to increase.
Thanks
CC

[ September 01, 2001: Message edited by: clutchcargo ]

 

[2poor2reef]

Twice daily water changes! I admire your dedication my friend. The most common reason for loss of leg tips in my experience is due to the change in salinity encountered during acclimation. Starfish are very sensitive to salinity changes. The good news is that they will grow back rapidly. The brittle no doubt doesn't like the ammonia, but IMO salinity fluctuation is the more likely cause. For that reason, and because you are doing TWO water changes per day, you want to make sure that your change water is precisely the same temp and salinity as your tank water before you exchange it.

[ September 02, 2001: Message edited by: 2poor2reef ]