adding inverts

[CindyK]

I have a newly set up 75 gal tank with sump, current residents are two clownfish added this past Thursday. 0 ammonia, nitrates, nitrites, pH ranging 7.8-8.0 with API. Alk 8.12 dKH last night with a Hanna checker (value converted).

The rock was cycled for about 2 1/2 months in a rubbermaid while I waited for setup and I used live sand; I'm pretty confident that it all cycled well.

I'd like to add a couple crabs (probably red leg hermit or blue leg hermit) and a peppermint shrimp to help with detritus, uneaten food, etc. The peppermint because I have some aptasia that I THOUGHT I eradicated but didn't

I'm thinking that 2 crabs and a shrimp shouldn't put too much stress on the bioload in a 75 gal with large skimmer but would like input. I've grown very attached to the clowns!

I don't have any other CUC or corals at this time. I'm holding off on snails until I have some algae for them to eat.

TIA, Cindy

 

[gone fishin]

The bioload that the inverts will put on a tank is pretty minimal, IMO you would be fine to add what you listed with no worries.

 

[GimpyFin]

Might be a dumb question, but did you actually cycle your tank before adding the fish? From your description is sounds like maybe you cured your rock in a tub to get it ready for your tank, but your tank might not be cycled. I see that you added some live sand, but did you add an ammonia source and just test to see that there is sufficient bacteria to break it down? The fact that the tank is new and all 3 parameters are zero is what makes me curious.

 

[CindyK]

Might be a dumb question, but did you actually cycle your tank before adding the fish? From your description is sounds like maybe you cured your rock in a tub to get it ready for your tank, but your tank might not be cycled. I see that you added some live sand, but did you add an ammonia source and just test to see that there is sufficient bacteria to break it down? The fact that the tank is new and all 3 parameters are zero is what makes me curious.

Yes, did all of that with a shrimp while it was still in the rubbermaid and got the expected rises and falls in parameters (with the exception of nitrite, I missed that one. I wasn't testing daily). Then I got anal and threw in 1/2 tsp or something of fish food usst to see if I would get an ammonia spike....nothing. And no ammonia since.

Cindy

 

[CindyK]

The bioload that the inverts will put on a tank is pretty minimal, IMO you would be fine to add what you listed with no worries.

Op you should be fine

Thank you both for responding!

 

[GimpyFin]

Yes, did all of that with a shrimp while it was still in the rubbermaid and got the expected rises and falls in parameters (with the exception of nitrite, I missed that one. I wasn't testing daily). Then I got anal and threw in 1/2 tsp or something of fish food usst to see if I would get an ammonia spike....nothing. And no ammonia since.

Cindy

Cool, you should be good!