offdutyninja1

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A skimmer is definitely on the list of upgrades. In terms of refreshing the surface, I believe the system does an adequate job, but could be wrong. The hang on back filter overflows into the tank on one corner agitating the surface, and the powerhead on the opposite side is angled to graze the surface. The surface is almost turbulent. Is it still at risk of this film? The cardinal was quarantined before purchase. The LFS suggested she may be lonely for more cardinals, though all info I can find on them suggests they at most like to be paired. The nem is definitely a few months away at least!

Hello, new to the hobby and to this forum, looking for some guidance going forward with my tank! Any and all help appreciated. First, tank parameters: 25 gallons, 76 degrees, 8.3 pH, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites, 10 nitrates. The tank has been running for about 3 months. I have a powerhead rated for 160 gph running an undergravel filter, an old hang on the back filter with carbon, 10 lbs of liverock, and about 15 lbs of dead coral. I have a juvenile ocellaris, a banggai cardinal, a skunk cleaner shrimp, a nassarius snail, and 4 astrae snails. Also, a few very large bristle worms live in one of the live rocks. On to my questions! 1. There has been an explosion of dark green hair algae on the right side of the tank and the substrate. On the left side (and the live rocks) red coralline algae is growing. How do I help the good algae beat the bad? When I do my weekly water change I vacuum as much off the substrate as possible. 2. The clown has been thriving for over a month, but the cardinal seems to be struggling a bit (added about 3 weeks ago). She only eats brine shrimp (goes nuts), and though the LFS thought she ate pellets, she just chews on them for a few seconds before spitting them up. She frequently makes this strange motion - tucking all her fins in and jerking forwards in an erratic fashion. Is this normal cardinal behavior, or is it a sign of stress? 3. The goal is to prepare the tank for a BTA for the clown to host in. What are the necessary next steps? I know I need to upgrade the lighting - do y'all have any budget LED recommendations? Preferably NOT hanging lights. I can provide pictures if helpful! Thanks in advance.

Dang, the fish store sold me the 1mm pellets! Though he doesn't even attempt to poke at them, so I'm unsure he knows they are food. Seth - I live in Vienna, and would love to take you up on your offer! Others: is there anywhere local that sells microvert/frozen mysis?

Hello all! I recently started a tank, and added a Rainford's Goby. The problem I've encountered is that after a week, I can't get him to eat. The store associate suggested that he would eat sinking pellets, but to no avail. I got him to eat live brine for a day or two, but he seems to have lost interest. What else can I try to feed him? In addition, when should I give up and try to take him back to the store or give him away so he doesn't starve? Thanks for any and all help!