end of cycle

[ugluk]

Looks like I am coming to the end of my cycle. My ammonia and nitrite are both at 0 and my nitrate is at 5.0 ppm. Just want to be sure on what to do.

My plan is to do a water change (about 15%) when the Nitrate goes down to 0 then put in about 10-15 snails (5 each of cirinth, nassarius and turbo) and 3 emerald crabs.

I will let this run for about two weeks and then do another water change and will use that water to start up my QT tank. Will start off with a couple of clowns.

Anything you think I should change? This is my first saltwater tank. It is a 72 gallon tank.

 

[bertoni]

That sounds reasonable to me.

 

[zma21]

Sounds like a pretty small clean up crew to me for a 72 gallon. I have more than that in my 20.

 

[bertoni]

I just noticed the emerald crabs. I would skip them, since they can be predatory, especially as they grow. Lots of people are successful with them.

You can always add more snails on an as-needed basis. Every setup is different, and too many snails means starvation.

 

[ugluk]

The small clean up crew is because I have about 50 lbs of base rock and 20 lbs of live rock so there is not much algae growth. I will add more as needed.

As for the emerald crabs I have heard that they were the most docile of the crabs. First off they do not need to kill the snails for their shells. Also I remember reading that the shapes of their claws was more for eating algae then for killing. I could be wrong though. Emeralds were the only crabs I was planning on owning.

 

[bertoni]

They've been seen catching fish and eating other animals.

 

[WaterKeeper]

:thumbsup: A man with a plan.

 

[bbehring]

Well on your way. Just be patient and take your time. Add slowly. Cleanup crew is a good first step.

 

[bbehring]

I have 2 emeralds and they are very docile and way cool!