NEW 12g Nano-Cube

[fishbrat]

I have been cycling since Saturday. I added LR and LS from my LFS. The LR was in tanks with starfish, hermit crabs, etc... Live sand was from established tank at LFS that had been just removed.

My LR has a featherduster (very tiny) and a blue hermit crab (both incidental additions).

Current set-up is as follows: Chamber 1 empty (has sponges until yesterday); chamber 2 LR rubble; chamber 3 MJ900 and heater.

I am thinking of LR and floss chamber 1 (floss at grate area); 1/2 full LR rubble on bottom and chaeto on top in chamber 2 (w/ mod on rear vinyl + additional light); chamber 3 is to remain the same.

My questions are: is the chamber set-up I have planned acceptable?

What should I expect during the cycle (considering the LR and LS)?

When would be a good time to add the clean-up crew?

What crew would you suggest for a 12g Nano-Cube DX?

 

[chaseracing]

Considering that you are using a lot of stuff from an established tank, your cycle time may be a lot shorter. Keep an eye on the water and if you do not notice any significant changes during a 7 day period then you are probably safe to add fish.

Remember....add them slowly. Any major change can "shock" the system.

Clean up crew can be added slowly also. Start with a half a dozen crabs and go from there. ( I have never had the 6 crabs all survive at once. If 4 make it, you are good to go) Then add accordingly as needed.

I recently added some small snails to my tank that are really really quick and they burrow themselves in the sand. I can't remember the name of them right now, but I am sure it will come to me. They also did a great job at keeping things clean.
(can anyone ID these? - Very small, very quick, light colored body, that burrow into the sand and able to surface very quickly)

-=E=-

 

[edwar050]

I would add the a small clean up crew early before adding fish. I don't know if you've done any modifications but a surface skimmer really helps and you can find them for pretty cheap online. I would pick up a couple of cerith, nassarus vibex, and trocus snails. A couple of scarlet reefs hermits or a cleaner shrimp would also make a nice start. Good luck with your tank.

 

[fishbrat]

Thanks. I do have surface skimmer.

As for adding the crew, when is 'early'? after the cycle?

I appreciate the advice.

 

[Bluemorningwind]

You should add your CUC as soon as your ammonia and nitrite levels reach zero.

Personally, I would get a couple of hermits and few snails (Astrea) to begin with. Acclimate them very slowly and if all is well in a few days then, add a couple more hermits and a few snails (any kind) and keep adding to your crew as you see interesting and diverse additions such as small urchins, conches, snails, hermits and prawns. I like peppermint prawns because they eat glass anemone.

All the best with it.