New marine setup - help identify some free riders

kevin16w

Hi,

I am just in the process of converting my tropical 240litre to a marine setup.

I have cleaned and installed a new FX6 filter and added the water about a week ago.

2 days ago I added some live rock as the next step and hopefully in few weeks it will be stable for adding 2 fish.

However this morning while having a look around i have noticed some growth in the tank - there are 2 tiny starfish and as best i could tell they are chocolate chip starfish. 1 is slightly bigger than the other and hard to tell at this stage.

there is also some growth on one of the rocks which i am struggling to identify and also even smaller growth on the glass at the back in a couple of sections.

Can somebody please assist in identifying and highlighting if good or bad for my tank. My aim is to add some fish in a few weeks and add some mixed corals in a few months - maybe January. I am working with a local supplier who is assisting me also.

Thanks,
Kevin

Magic ]=)

Hi.
Although I got out of marine aquarium sometime ago I remember setting up mine very well. I might be going back at some stage.

Basic equipment consist:
reverse osmosis filter and salt - no need for it if you can get water from the store or from the ocean (free) that's what I did.
light
water heater,
water circulator,
skimmer - replaces filter and air pump.
filters are used by some but remember to clean it at least once a month. It's generally not necessary to have one if you have skimmer.

What you see on first photo is aiptasia. It's generally an unwanted hitchhiker. They spread very easy, they can burn corals and sometimes fish.
That blurry thing on the glass could be another aiptasia. Can't really tell what's on the glass behind the heater.
There isn't much on that rock. Can't even see coralline algae. Watch it at night with low light torch and see if anything comes out of it
My rock came with a couple of strange creatures that wouldn't show in a day light.

Don't add any live stock to the aquarium for another 5-6 weeks. You need to cycle the tank and let the good bacteria grow. They will be one of the essential factors to keep a well balanced tank.
Do a bit of reading about keeping proper parameters in check. You'll need refractometer for Salt level, and tests for Ph, nitrate, phosphate, magnesium, calcium, ammonia. I personally found Salifert testers to be working for me.
It's all about the balance in marine aquarium tank

Here's what I used to have:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stud/albums/72157627781493959

there's a lot of useful info on specialist forums. There's even Irish one with a lot experienced users. Look them up. Read a lot, watch your tank and be patient. Don't rush things.
Good luck.

kevin16w

Hi magic,

thanks for your response. I really appreciate it. I have been working with a local fish shop and he is providing the D/O water and will be doing the tests for me as i do the cycles.

I have still not added any stock and will await his call on that. Its just difficult as i am working during week and just get to see him at the weekend with progress.

I am aware patience is key as have had a tropical for a number of years, i just fancy converting to marine as my daughter is a lover of Dory, Nemo etc...
However its tough to be patient and hope that nothing bad happens to ruin the system in between my weekly visits to my local guy.

For instance at the moment there is now an orange growth on one of the rocks and it is concerning me. I wont be back to the shop until saturday and dont know if it will be too late.

I have a new heater (using old one), lights (using old set) and wave maker ordered and will get on saturday also. i wasnt sure as to a wave maker as the fx6 has a powerful output line. but i am getting just the one as an extra. for the skimmer i was advised to leave for a while until i have stock added and before i add corals.

I have seen a few snails also in the tank and the starfish seem to have disappeared but believe them to be hiding within the rocks. for the aiptasia, should i remove it. if so, what is the best way.

thanks for all your assistance.
Kevin

Magic ]=)

This seems to be brown algea which are not dangerous. Happens even in well established tanks.
Here's a quick link to good article about them:
http://homeaquaria.com/saltwater-algae-control-brown-algae/

Get rid of aiptasia asap. From experience I could recommend Red Sea Aiptasia X. Look up on Youtube how to use it.

Good thing you ordered circulation pump (wave maker). You want all water in the tank moving.

What lights do you use and how old are they ?