Newbie Algae ISSUE!

[Anonymous]

OK, first things first. I just saw that you are using tap water (city water). Stop right there and go get you some RO/DI water (reverse osmosis/deionization). The stuff in the water can give you problems down the road.

Yes, discontinue the powerheads until sand is settled.

The skimmer is important even through the cycle. It takes all the die off from live rock out of the water.

 

[Vaportrail31]

Once again my impatience got the best of me. I have access to an industrial RO unit which can make hundreds if not thousands of gallons per day.

Will my up-coming water changes not "cleanse" the water and eventually remove all of the tap water? I have added salt and hate to 86 all of the water but if you think thats the way to go I'll take it under advisement.

Thanks,

Vapor

 

[Anonymous]

I know you may not want to 86 all that water....which I understand totally BUT there are lots of yukky bacteria in tap water that is never good for SW fish.

The biggest lesson you will learn (b/c I had to) is PATIENCE!

I know there is some product that can help you with your tap water and doing large water changes will help but you will be better off with RO/DI water.

 

[SnowManSnow]

just to give you an idea... I plan on the first 3 months of your new reef experiance to be spent cycling, doing water changes, and resisting the urge to put anything nice in there it takes time. Mine has been up for about 3 years, and I just now feel like it is growing in good and settling down.

B.