[goinpronhl9]

I have had a 55 gallon tank set up for several months and have about 30 lbs of live rock and 4 damsels. I have started seeing some signs of "crud" algae in the crushed coral substrate as well as on the glass. Is this a good sign? or should I get a "clean Up Crew"? If so what would you reccomend and how much would I need for my size tank? When I first set up my tabk I made the foolish mistake of gettin a sand sifter star which most likely starved to death shortly after because my tank was not fully established, and recently I had a scooter blenny die which seem to have starved as well. Would buying a clean up crew now lead to the same result or am I just buyin the wrong specimens? Also I have been reading about Sumps. Is that necessary for a fish only aquarium like mine? And does any one have any thoughts on quarantine tanks vs freshwater dips? Thanks For reading and I would appreciate the help Im tryin to do my research and avoid making any more dumb mistakes!

[goinpronhl9]

I have a 100 gph cannister filter... would it be a wise investment to get a powerhead for it as well?... if so any recomendations? One more thing I was told by the LFS that crushed coral was a wise choice. Did i make a huge mistake if Im planning on having a FOWLR tank and if so is there a way to add live sand or am I doomed to failure? Thanks again

[volitan_fa]

Most likely it's a diatom bloom. This does mean that your tank is cycling, but it also means you have a problem with something somewhere, most likely phosphates. What kind of water do you use (tap, distilled, RO...)? Most likely your two tank inhabitants did starve to death, and most likely because you have crushed coral and not sand. Sand-sifting species cannot sift for food in crushed coral, it's too coarse. A cleanup crew now may be a good idea, but first decide if the fish you plan to have will eat your clean up crew or not. Most aggressive FOWLR tanks are not suitable for inverts. I believe the guide for dwarf crabs (scarlet, blueleg, etc) is one per gallon and for most snails it's one about every 2-5 gallons. That's not set in stone, but it's a good guide. Sumps aren't necessary, but hide the ugly equipment and make maintenance easier. Lastly, you'll want a quarantine tank either way, even if you do freshwater dips (gotta have some place to do them!).

[volitan_fa]

Yes you should probably get another powerhead. Also, crushed coral isn't preferred for any applications that I know of, but people buy it because it's cheap. You would be better off to switch to live sand as early as possible.

[goinpronhl9]

Thanks for the advice! One last question I guess would you have any ideas how to go about switching from CC to Live sand? Oh and I do have some damsels and a clown shouldnt be a problem with the crabs should it?

[volitan_fa]

Basically for the switch from CC to sand....I would drain the tank down, remove your inhabitants to a QT, and scoop it out the best you can. Then re-add the sand, let it sit for a day or two, then re-acclimate your fish.

The clown and damsels shouldn't hurt the crabs....or vice versa....but I would worry about them hurting each other. They can both be very territorial species.

[Brians125]

Move Cc Slowly Not All At Once You'll Have To Recycle The Tank...............add Live Sand Or Areganite Slowly....patience, Or Your Doomed................... everyone Should Quarantine Every Thing Before Adding To Your Display Tank For 6 Week's