Nano cube filtration

[cmiani2002]

I just finish the cycle on my nano cube,

Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
nitrate 0
Ph 7.8

I added 2 peppermint shrimps, 5 hermit crabs 5 Nassarius Snails and 5 turbo snails.

In the back chambers there is:
Left: sponge and filter floss
Center: Active carbon bag
Right: pump

I am thinking of replacing the sponge with some LR fragments, is it a good idea at this time or am I too late for it?
Can i safely add live rock frags without having to go thru the cycle again?

Any comment on protein skimmers????

 

[Brian5280]

You will have to take out the sponges eventually, they get too dirty and you cant clean them out enough to prevent nitrate build-up. I don't see much point in putting live rock in the back. I just have filter floss in there and everything is fine.

 

[Illuminati]

I agree, toss the sponge and replace the filter floss when you do a water change and you'll be set. You could add purigen (check out Dr. Foster & Smiths website for info on it) in place of the sponge.