Growth on Live Rock

[RiaanDP]

Good day Everyone

I am new to the forum as well as Aquariums.

I love starting something new and decided to start on a Marine Aquarium.

Did a lot of research before taking the decision.

Can someone identify the following growth in the picture.

I bought the Live rock from a Pet Store specializing in Marine and did not notice this until I got home.

I would like to know if this is good or bad thing.

I will be posting photos of the tank later on.

 

[Newbiejb]

Hi and welcome it looks like a sponge

 

[RiaanDP]

Yeah its what I thought it might be, but being new I rather asked

Thanks for the response, appreciate it.

Next thing to get are some hermit crabs to get the party started.

 

[viper357]

Yip, just a type of sponge, nothing to worry about.

Before you buy any livestock, has your tank cycled?

 

[RiaanDP]

Hi there

Sorry for the late reply.

Tank has been set up on Sunday with new kit.

Monday did a water change as I added too much salt first time round, after this managed to get the ration 1.025

Have this live rock and then a new live rock that still needs to get growth on it.

But planning on getting some more live rock if all works out tomorrow.

Thanks for the interest and assistance.

 

[Vleis Visagie]

The Question is, HAS YOUR TANK BEEN CYCLED?

AKA Nitrogen Cycle....

This needs to be completed before you add live stock, for the good of the inhabitants.

 

[RiaanDP]

Hello Vleis

From what I can make out of the question is if I am cycling so Ammonia is being developed.

I am adding fish food twice a day into the tank in order to start this process and was advised by some friends that have aquariums.

I have added live rock I purchased.

I have also added chlorine removal chemical I received in the aquarium starter kit in case there are some chlorine present in the water.

I have dipped the sand in normal tap water to get powder particles off and dried out with towels and added to tank.

Furthermore all the water used was purchased from fish shop and RO water.

Salt is Red Sea Salt purchased in 10KG bag.

Are there alternate things or chemicals I need to add?

 

[Vleis Visagie]

Bud im also pretty NEW to the hobby, My tank has only been cycling for 2 weeks now.

Yes you need to "ghost feed" your tank to get the beneficial bacteria growing which will break down the food into ammonia then the ammonia to nitrite then the nitrite to nitrate. This Nitrate stage it the safe stage after ammonia & nitrite reading are 0 ppm.

You can by chemical to jump start the bacteria ( i used special blend, not sure what else is out there), this process can take from 1 week to 6weeks.

Your live rock does help a lot & will reduce your cycle time.

Just keep on testing your Ammonia, Nitrite & Nitrate levels, if your fist 2 are 0 ppm the your tank should be ready for Clean Up Crew.

The more experienced reefers feel free to correct me on anything if I got it wrong.

Shweet

OFF TOPIC

 

[RossK]

Hello Vleis

From what I can make out of the question is if I am cycling so Ammonia is being developed.

I am adding fish food twice a day into the tank in order to start this process and was advised by some friends that have aquariums.

I have added live rock I purchased.

I have also added chlorine removal chemical I received in the aquarium starter kit in case there are some chlorine present in the water.

I have dipped the sand in normal tap water to get powder particles off and dried out with towels and added to tank.

Furthermore all the water used was purchased from fish shop and RO water.

Salt is Red Sea Salt purchased in 10KG bag.

Are there alternate things or chemicals I need to add?

A decent skimmer will help.

Special Blend added to the mix?
Do you have test kits? A good test kit is worth it's weight in gold, especially when things go wrong (and at some stage it will - it's how fast you can pick up on the problem and fix it that will matter).
If it's RO water which has been run through DI, you should be ok. You can dose Prime if you are not sure.

The die-off from the live rock should be enough to start the cycle. You can also substitute a prawn etc. to help this process. Once the cycle is complete (water testing will tell you when the nitrites are 0), then look for CUC. Then go with one, maybe two fish for a start...

Most important of all, be patient. In this game only bad things happen quickly.

 

[RiaanDP]

Thanks guys for the information.

I have a better understanding now.

I will be doing all these tests before considering any livestock.

No test kit as yet, but planning on getting one soon.

It`s like learning to play guitar, you wont be a pro after a week or month.

I work in IT, so I have patience

 

[CameL]

You also won't get one test kit, most of us that test often have atleast 3 test kits.
In my cupboard i count 8.

Good ones to start are salifert Ammonia, nitrite and nitrate or red sea marine basics (I think) which is an all inclusive ammonia, nitrite, nitrate test kit.

 

[Mozzie]

Patients is key, don't rush and let the tank do its thing. I've just finished... Well I hope I've finished and its taken almost 7weeks to complete my cycle. You are going to see many changes, algae and strange things. I'm no pro and still have plenty to learn but one thing I can say is a proper cycle will be your most beneficial thing you can do in this hobby. Read, research and learn as much as possible and half of your frustration will be gone!

 

[RiaanDP]

Thanks for the replies everyone. Tank burned a hole in my wallet, will shop around for test kits and get the process rolling. Upgraded some stuff in my tank, so looking forward to the next couple of weeks of cycling.

How often would you recommend for water testing with the kits for a new tank and thereafter.

I know the basics are Ammonia, Nitrate and PH.

Thanks for all the info so far, much appreciated.

 

[RossK]

Tank burned a hole in my wallet

I feel your pain. My daughter is the tank owner, she does nearly everything out of her allowance. We help when we can...

I know the basics are Ammonia, Nitrate and PH.

Depends on what you livestock eventually want to keep. You will need to monitor a few extra parameters like Magnesium, Calcium, Alk if you keep corals. Fish only needs basic monitoring. Monitoring Nitrates will give you an indication as to when you should carry out water changes.

What lighting do you have?

 

[RiaanDP]

Currently standard LED panel that came with the tank.

Nothing either than fish and crabs at this stage.

Taking this oppertunity to learn more about Aquariums for when I am ready I might be getting a much bigger tank in the future.

 

[RiaanDP]

Discovered some Purple Feather Dusters last night as well as Hair-Worms from the live rock I got on Saturday.

Happy to see some live inside