Reef Nano Christmas gift, PLEASE HELP

[Bifferwine]

Start adding more rock until you get to 1 to 2 lbs per gallon. The live rock will serve as your main source of biological filtration. You can leave the skeleton rock in -- it will be seeded by the live rock and become live itself.

Once you get enough live rock, then you can remove the bioballs. If left in, the bioballs can become a nitrate factory and lead to algae problems.

Definitely get a protein skimmer. If you have enough live rock and a protein skimmer, you will be all set for filtration.

Leaving your lights off right now will help with the algae. Algae outbreaks are really common for new and cycling tanks. It can take several weeks to get over it, but this is normal for a new tank, so don't worry.

The most important thing right now is to not add any more animals until your water parameters are stable and the tank is done cycling (ammonia and nitrite at zero, and nitrates below 20, as close to zero as possible is preferable).

[Kat]

Thank you all for such good advice, I'm in no hurry to add any animals until I feel the tank is ready. I know I have a battle ahead learning on a small tank but I really want to learn. will it be difficult for the hermits not having the light on? and How will I know when its safe to turn them back on?

[yote]

Welcome to the reef Kat.I usually suggest leaving the lights off 3 or 4 days when starting a battle with algae and cyano.It wont bother your hermits or snails at all.Mines usually more active when the lights are out any way.And its something we all have to go through no matter what size system we've got.

[Kat]

I just wanted to say thank's to everyone, my tank lights have been off for 2 days and it already looks a little better.

[fishbait]

welcome to the addictive hobby of reefing, and the website. and congrats on the wonderful christmas present.

[jhnrb]

Kat you are doing fine. the algae bloom is expected and is part of the maturing process. if you can stand it just let the algae run its coarse if it is red slime. add about 4 astea snails to help with the cleanup. do not add anything else and concentrate on getting your water parameters in order. You can remove the bio balls but will need to make sure the protein skimmer is working at maximum to airiate the water and remove protein. test for ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. good water movement and stable temperature and salinity are a must for the nano system and be careful to not overstock or stock too quickly. good luck and welcome to the site;.

[LionFish]

Sounds like everyone has ya pretty much covered.
So that leaves me to Welcome you to the site...

WELCOME!
Post Pics when things clear up .

[Toni White]

Algee is part of the new tank cycle. Do a 1/3 water change at least once a month. This will help with the algee problem. Do you have a skimmer? This will make a big differance. Keep tank running at all times. How long are your lights on? The red velvet can be controlled by a product bought at a reef store or on line. You will need to do water change 48 hours after using this product. It works well ,and does not harm your fish or corals.

[stagofdoom]

Welcome. I just started up my 24 gal a couple of months ago. If you have any questions feel free to PM me. I have probably gone through the same thing.