Starting new tank - seeking timeline for adding stuff

[jeffreyrichard]

I'm starting up a new nano-reef ... 15 gallon tank. I have it up and running with water, pumps ... I'll be adding live sand and rock (15 & 20 lbs respectively) tomorrow which I'm acquiring from a hobbyiest dismantelling a tank. I'm also going to add 2 damsels next week for cycling the tank.

Roughly, what should my order and timeline/expectations be for ...

1) adding reef cleaners ... hermit crabs, starfish, snails, etc
2) permanent fish (pair of Percula Clowns and 1 Royal Gramma)
3) Coral & decorative rock (mushrooms, xenia, GSP, polyps)

Thanks

 

[One Eyed Bunny]

Soon as the tank cycles, meaning the nitrites and anomnia levels are at 0, you can begin adding fish, slowly. I'd say a fish every week and a half to be safe. You're using a small tank, so any size fish will increase the bioload significantly and it will take time for your tank to adjust. I would space adding anything roughly by a week and a half and checking your anomnia and nitrite levels frequently, either through your LFS or by your own means.

As for adding the two damsels, I don't particularly enjoy doing that because it seems a bit... cruel. Using them in a stressful environment to clear a path for your permenant fish, but you do what you want. Live sand and live rock will be more than enough to produce a fast cycle.

And one last thing. Cleaner shrimp should be left to last, or at least after you've put in two fish. Shrimps are fussy and will die if your tank's water isn't close to perfect.