77G Reef Tank first wobbly step

[scsi]

Well, it's been 10 days in now

I'v spent most of this time taking needless readings that showed 0's in everything bad. The rock was pretty much cured when I got it, so there shouldn't have been much chance for big Amonia or Nitrite spikes.

Seeing as how the rock had been in an established tank for 2 months, I had high hopes for beneficial Hitchhikers.


It being 10 days... I'm having the usual growing pains...... Green algae is starting to form on the glass and rock. I'm thinking I need the next natural progression, which would be snails.... maybe a shimp..... Thing is... it's only been 10 days.

I'm a firm believer in patience... I have no probs waiting 6 months before the first fish goes in ( the corals will be in place before the fish)

But, I don't like the thought of algae overcrowding. Lighting with the Aqualight Pro 150 has been tame so far, no more than 5 hours a day.... Act's on 8 hours. Lunars the rest of the time. I will increase the MH gradually.

Is it too soon to add some "hardy" species at this point or should I wait another couple of weeks? I don't think the algae growth thus far is Diatom related. I only say this because the RO/DI unit has passed less the 150G of water through it. I know it's near the end of it's life for being able to filter silicates and silicic acid.

Amonia, Nitrites, Nitrates undetectable
Phosphate .025
PH 8.5
Salinity 1.023
Temp 76
CA 475
KA 100

[marie]

If your not getting any ammonia/nitrite readings then there is no reason why you can't add some snails.
I would avoid getting hermit crabs and shrimp for a little longer they can eat up your worms before they have a chance to migrate into the sand bed and the more life you have in the sand the better