our aquarium is about 6 weeks old. after the first week we started having a problem with green hair algae. we purchased a sea hare to help with the problem. two weeks later we purchased a Lettuce Nudibranch to help out. this afternoon when we came home, the Lettuce Nudibranch was attached at the top of the aquarium and looked sickly. he is smaller and not as filled out as he has been. he is about 4 weeks old and we have not had any problems with any other creatures. has anyone ever heard of a Lettuce Nudibranch splitting or laying eggs in an aquarium? is it possible that he is sick or that something attacked him? we have several snails and hermit crabs in the tank and have just added three blue chromis as starter fish. the chromis have been in the tank about a week and have thrived well. we have not seen anything mess with the Lettuce Nudibranch. any help will be great! thanks!
2007-10-02 15:37:24 · 3 answers · asked by clyde0523 3 in Pets ➔ Fish
Sounds like your still cycling! A Nudi wouldn't survive a cycle they are pretty delicate and best left to more experienced "reefers". I've had several only to have them go missing shortly after putting them in my 125. They do eat algae but not hair algae! They eat Bryopis algae and they just don't do well in our tanks. Something in your tank may be picking on them but not likely with what you have now. I lost 1 to my convict blenny.. watched him eat 20bux worth of nudi right before my eyes! Here's a short profile on them ..
http://www.marinedepotlive.com/lettuce-nudibranch--bryopsis---eating-nudibranch----tridachia-crispata-inverts--nudibranch.html
Hair algae is one of those things that your just have to get used to. It seems to come and go. Mostly it's from to many nutrients due to over feeding etc. There are a few things you can do.
1. cut back on feedings.. feed every other day.. your critters should be fine.. They might even be tempted to eat the algae.
2. cut back on your lights. If your don't have corals that need the light turn them off for a day. or at least cut back on how long they are on.
3. Water changes.. use the siphon to suck out the algae and uneaten food.
4. Use only RO/DI water.. Tap water is loaded with stuff you don't want 10ft from your tank!
5. check out some of the saltwater sites like this one..
http://saltaquarium.about.com/cs/algaecontrol/a/aa070403.htm
6. Test your water! or have your local fish store test it! I'm pretty sure your not finished with your cycle! The testing will show if your done.
7. Get a book or two on saltwater basics and read! Knowledge is the KEY!
Take the nudie's back to the store... not a good idea for a beginner! Heck even an old hand has a tough time with them Ive been at this for near 15yrs and never had them make it!
Hope that helps!
2007-10-02 16:32:47 · answer #1 · answered by Ramoth41 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have an idea it's the water quality that's stressing the nudibranch. These are very sensitive to water quality and don't tolerate any ammonia or nitrite and very little nitrate in the water. Given that your tank is relatively new, and you've just added your first fish, the ammonia and/or nitrite are probably elevated. A partial water change can keep this low if that's the problem. Also check your pH level - it should be around 8.3 for these. If it's lower (and aragonite/coral substrate usually only brings it to 7.8), you may need to add some kalkwasser to raise it.
They have been know to lay eggs in aquaria, but I don't belive the young have been raised successfully.
These are also notorious for getting caught in filter intakes, so you might want to put a piece of netting (either from a craft store or a piece from an old pair of panty hose) over any filter/powerhead intakes to keep him safe.
One thing about nudibranchs - they are very specialized when it comes to feeding. They will usually eat only one or two items (will vary by species) and when that item's gone, they die. Generalists, which eat a larger variety, will have a longer life. You might see if you can identify they type of hair algae you have from this link, then see what organisms will eat that type (match the number next to the algae name with the numbers in the organisms diets at the bottom): http://saltcorner.com/sections/guest/algaepage/algaepage.htm
2007-10-02 16:24:02 · answer #2 · answered by copperhead 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
your problems might be water chem related -hair algae in a 6 week old tank is not good
did you start the tank with tap water, ocean water, well water, RODI water?
you didn't give enough info for a real answer but the water you used to start the tank would be the first place i would check (look into phosphates, silicates, nitrates -even ammonia and nitrite)
sea slugs (both the hare and lettuce) and be sensitive, they have no protection at all and are vulnerable to a number of issues (bullies or more then likely the same water chemistry problem that is fueling your hair algae)
2007-10-02 16:21:58 · answer #3 · answered by chain_weight 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋