Things to add to a 20G and algae/sludge questions

[Floop70]

I started with a Rio Nano on my 25 gallon tank at first and found the same thing as you. It was very temperamental and required a lot of adjustment. I figured I couldn't expect a whole lot more out of a $35 skimmer. I eventually just bought a Red Sea Prizm Skimmer. I'm glad I did, it seems to skim better and I don't have to worry about it between cleanings.

Another thing I added to my filter (It's a Fluval 204) a few weeks ago is Chemi Pure Elite. It seems to have pretty much removed the trace amounts of phosphates and nitrates that I always seemed to have. Like you, I try to do a water change every 7 - 10 days, although I do use RO/DI water as opposed to tap water. Any reason you won't entertain the idea of switching to RO? The filters can be had for a reasonably cheap now, or you could even buy bottled water. That's the way I started. Can you post your water params for us? That might help.

A nice addition to your tank may be a sand sifting goby of some sort. It could help with your algae problem on the sand as it sifts, and they are really fun to watch "eat" the sand.

[lorenz0]

Cut down your lighting

remember algae is also photosynthesis. I am just finishing up getting rid of red slim and a week and a half ago the tank was in rough condition because of it. I just cut down my lighting to 11:30-8:45 and now its almost gone.

should work the same, i really wish i took some pictures to show how effective cutting down your lighting works on nano's

[naturenutty]

Thanks everyone, for the input. I'm going to change the water there today so I'll do a bunch of tests and give you the most current water parameters I can. When I have those I'll fully respond to everyone's feedback.

[naturenutty]

Changed the water today. It was 7 days from the last change and there was no significant algae on the glass, bottom or anywhere but the one rock I missed last time. I'm glad that hadn't spread. I'm guessing the decreased photoperiod and cooler temps are helping. That and it not going for 14+ days between changes. So here's hoping that THAT is under control. I did add some phosguard to the filter because some of the growth I get on the glass looks like diatom which increases with silicate, and phosguard removes that as well. I'll take it out mid week and put it back in after the next water change.

Parameters today:
Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate trace (barely showed a colour, but enough that I'd have to call it a trace. Nowhere near the 5 mg/L level on the comparison card, though)
Phosphates 0
Calcium 420 mg/L (typoed this the first time... edited to correct it)
Specific Gravity 1.025
Temp 24C

As for why I won't go to RO water, most systems for making RO water waste a gallon to make a gallon. I can't quite wrap my head around creating that much waste water if there's any way I can get away without it, which it seems I might. I know tap water can have parameters change, but I'll use the phosguard and hope that keeps it beat down. I really suspect I had the lights on for too long and that combined with a couple of delayed water changes creates a mess.

I will also look into the Chemi-pure elite. Thanks for that suggestion!

Rocket... I really had to laugh at your description of dealing with the Rio Nano... that's EXACTLY what it's like here. Only thing you missed was when it starts bubbling up between where the collection container meets the filter and slowly leaks down all over the floor, and the part where I give up and just let it run as a second filter.

SOOOO on to the next part! Any suggestions for easy keeper critters to add? I definitely like the idea of a sand sifting goby. I also read somewhere about snails that burrow down (seem to be similar to the Malaysian trumpet snails of the FW world?) and keep things stirred up. I might have to look for those. And then any ideas for corals? I'm using that as a general term... I'm open to anything that will add interest to the tank.

I saw there's a vendor on this forum who aquacultures corals in Calgary. I might try to connect with him. I think a big part of maintaining interest in any hobby is finding things to make it more fun... right now my tank is a bit dull... I need more pretties!