[Barry69]

Well, this is my first experience with a reef aquarium and Im already having a blast! Today I bought and set up a new Aquapod 12 gallon. I went this small because I didnt want to go too crazy at my first attempt at a reef tank.

I got a great base rock with tons of cool caves and then two real nice pieces of cured Florida Live Rock. One has a large red sponge (or what I believe is a sponge). Its been less than 12 hours and I have seen some interesting life already. I few pods, a couple of what I think are bristle worms, and a couple of new sponges. There is also some plant growth and this is what makes me nervous...

I have read many horror stories of hair algae. After only 12 hours I think I may have what is the beginning of hair algae. Here is a pic of my tank...I am assuming the green is hair algae? This picture was taken at 8 hours and there is now more of the green stuff. I had left the light on for plenty of time today so I probably gave the algae a "go ahead" but I didnt think it would develop this quickly. My light is now off so I can hopefully starve it and slow it down some.

I do not have access to RO water and my LFS said that distilled water is the next best thing I can use so that is what I did. I just got done testing my water....Ph is good, no ammonia and no nitrates.

Should I be getting a calcium tester and maybe adding some calcium? Should I risk buying snails and maybe a couple of crabs this early? Any help is appreciated!!

[Adam J]

WELCOME!Be calm my friend!!!Dont add anything until your tank has cycled(sp?).Even though your rock is ''cured'' I'm assuming thats new sand,you still will have some algea blooms.I know its hard but be patient.Dont add any supplements.A phosphate,calcium and kh test will be usefull.Not really a major thing at this point though.

[Barry69]

Thanks Adam!
I just want to be sure everything will be under control LOL And yes, the live sand is also new.

I just saw a new "bug"...no idea what it is....I'll keep checking him out. The amount of life in this tank already is incredible!

I'll be more patient and just enjoy for now

Thanks for your reply!

[Adam J]

Glad I could help.There are some very kind and helpful people here at RB.Stick around!

[stacef]

Welcome to RB! If you need links/info on the cycling process we would all love to help. Unless you already know it. Thanks to RB, I have a 20g FOWLR now and putting up a 220g FOWLR in July.. I guarantee those would be freshwater tanks if it wasn't for everyone on here!

[stacef]

Also--you should go and vote for tank of the month. Decembers voting poll. It's on the main Forum page, near the bottom. Thanks! Oh yeah enjoy! Amazing tanks are up in the running.

[Madreefer]

The most important thing now, is be patient. Let the tank cycle in for the next 4 weeks. Get your chemistry right. Get used to testing your water and using the test kits. Do research on which would be the easiest corals for beginners to keep and what would do well in your tank. Find a source of RO water for your water changes, if you don't have your own filter.

Welcome to the madness.