Algae bloom in new tank.

[gspgretchen]

I have an algae bloom in a tank that has been up for 2 weeks. The base rock is from my prior reef tank and I added some new live rock. My question is can I add snails, crabs, ect while it is cycling? I think there is excess nutrient from my old base rock which was once live rock.

 

[lancer99]

Just check your ammonia & nitrites.....not a good idea to add a cleanup crew before they are both zero.

HTH,
-R

 

[backej1]

If ammonia and nitrites are zero - add some astrea snail. They did a heck of a job cleaning up my 450 after it cycled. I would stay away from crabs, they may end up eating your snails (IMO).

 

[benzreef]

i agree with backej1 about them eating your snails.

 

[miston]

I have 4 scarlett hermit crabs in my 12 gallon and my nassarius, astrea, & certith snails haven't been harmed at all that I can tell

just make sure you have a few empty shells for your crabs to use when they outgrow their old shells

besides, crabs and snails are so CHEAP its not like you're taking a huge risk to see if they are compatible