55 gallon fowlr

Nereaga · 03-05-2007, 09:18 PM

Ok so this weekend Im going to put in my cleaning crew.. Since I have a small break out of bubble algae that I dont want spreading , do you think I could put an Emerald Crab in there along with like 5 hermits to start? or is that too much?

I read that emerald crabs are good for combating bubble algae. Along with me getting some small shears and snipping it at its roots. just curious. if not I will just add like 10 hermit and/or snails. Thanks

Radom · 03-05-2007, 10:29 PM

5 hermits and 1 emerald would do for now. Watch them for a weak or so then if all is ok add more hermits (10 total till more established). I would stick to only 1 emerald crab for that tank size. If he gets hungry he will eat bubble algae but if other algae is readily available he might not touch bubble at all. If you remove bubble algae by hand just be careful to not crush if you do not want it to reproduce everywhere.

Nereaga · 03-06-2007, 06:32 AM

Sweet, I really like them Emerald Crabs. Neat little creatures they are. Thanks once again Radom!

Nereaga · 03-07-2007, 05:36 PM

So today marks day 25 and I got a litttle ancy and got 5 blue leg hermits today and a Emerald Crab. Also my lfs threw in about 10 more bigger shells for the hermits when they grow.. for free! sweet! so the hermits are flying around checking their new environment out. As soon as I added the emerald on the biggest rock in my tank, he went right to eating up some algae... which is a good thing because my tank is now filthy.... This weekend I plan my first water change and minor cleaning... changing 8 gallons of water. It will be sitting for 6 days and mixed it with a HOB filter. So the fun has begun. I also have these wierd looking clear things sliding all over my glass.. there is three of them maybe a 1/8''-1/4''. cant really explain what they look like really good, maybe smaller looking squid sort of. and my 5 MP camera cant get a good pic.

Radom · 03-07-2007, 06:41 PM

When you get more hermits, get the red legged ones next. I found the "reds" to be better cleaners and also they are less aggressive. I mixed 2/3 reds, 1/3 blues in my tank (blue ones ate my smaller snails by the way).

Nereaga · 03-07-2007, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Radom

When you get more hermits, get the red legged ones next. I found the "reds" to be better cleaners and also they are less aggressive. I mixed 2/3 reds, 1/3 blues in my tank (blue ones ate my smaller snails by the way).

Thats why i got some extra shells and I will prolly add a couple of more maybe another 5-10 shells. And ill take you up on that about the "reds". I have the lights off now. will it shock any of them crabs if the lights come on normal tomorrow? I usually run my 10k lights for like 9hrs with blues on a 1 1/2 hrs before and after? just curious, thanks!

Radom · 03-07-2007, 09:52 PM

Lights should not effect them. Also, if you experience algae blooms just decrease your total light time. But just like you I have my lights on total of 12 hr a day with my MH being on for 8 hr and blues for additional 2 hr before and after MH goes off without any algae issues.

Nereaga · 03-08-2007, 06:49 PM

Ok so today I got my alkalinity test today and my reading was high at 170. they say 105-125 is normal range and to consult a specialist for care...

I used my superbuffer from kent twice... 3 days apart about a week ago and havnt used it in days... what am i to do??? thanks...

parameters are

SG-1.025
temp- 78-80ish
nitrate- 5
Nitrites- 0-0.1
Ammonia- 0.1
pH-8.3 w/o lights, peak 8.4-8.5(need to get my refugium up and running to even it out)

gm333 · 03-08-2007, 09:03 PM

Sounds like you dont need to dose the superbuffer but once a week to evey 10 days.

Nereaga · 03-09-2007, 06:24 AM

cool thanks GM! Dont know what Id do without all you guys here in this forum.... cant thank all of you enough!