System in Crisis...?!!

[Novicebutkeen]

Please view this link and provide me the benefit of your wisdom if you recognise the scenerio. Look forward to reading your replies!!

http://picasaweb.google.com.au/Tracy.Bricknell/SaltWaterAquarium#

I hope it works. Kind regards Tracy

[Lucifer]

Can't tell what you want us to have a look at?

The algea?
The lice?

I dont see any filtration on this tank? Do you have any?

How often you do water change?

Have you tested the water?

[Drew]

when was the last time you cleaned the tank?

[Novicebutkeen]

Thanks for your interest, Lucifer did you see the questions I asked of each photo? All of it! :) I live in northern WA so I don't have a heater and use water directly from the beach. I did a partial water change two days ago. I have a water filter without the filter as I haven't pursued buying a new sponge for it past visiting the local pet shop which didn't have one but recommended using cotton wool. Did use cotton wool but its messy. The water circulates. I'm ok iwth that as my thinking is that it feeds the filter feeders and most tanks are too clean to do that I read in Aquarium for Dummies. The algae has resulted from feeding bits of prawn to my brittle star fish, hermit crab and some filter feeders. I'm getting to recognise the algae cycle from excess nitrogen over the 4-5 months I've had the tank. I'm hoping the excess nitrates are being trapped under the sand. I have yet to buy a testing kit but will attempt to do so today. I've the recommended figures for levels... Apart from partial water changes I've tried to leave it alone and allow it to stabilise? and although there is not much in my tank, I would like to see it healthy as possible. My concern really started with losing my snail? the appearance of these lice? brittle worms. mites? and decline in my branching polyp. The algae is managable. What are these new animals in my tank and what do they suggest for the health of the tank? Cheers

[Lucifer]

Finding all sorts of animals in your tank is normal. They come from the rocks and water you get from the beach.

If you can keep the algae under controll then keep at it. Get yourself some fish to keep the lice and pod under controll. I recommend a sixline wrasse. They love pods, lice and small worms. Be sure to get some fish flakes for them as well.

Are you planing to get anything else in your tank? 4 months is enough cycling to keep fish and some easy to keep soft corals.