Meadowlark
New member
When my tank is finally cycled what do I do first? Add a cleaning crew or add fish? or can I do both simultaneously? I think I'm getting pretty close.
When to Add Clean Crew
- Thread starter Meadowlark
- Start date
DaltonJames
New member
i would add the cleaning crew but not a big one just the right amount you dont want them to not have the food the need to live then add fish one at at a time
DaltonJames
New member
200 post ya
drummereef
Team RC
Add your cleanup crew first. If everythig is peachy keen for a week or two after you add them, it's safe to add your first fishy. 
Meadowlark
New member
I was considering buying an assortment of 15-20 snails. Since they consume algae should I wait until I have a noticeable amount in the tank? Should i do anything that contributes to algae growth? Leave the light on in the tank?
Aquarist007
New member
How many gal is your tank and how long has it been cycling:
Start with snails--they don't just eat algae--debris from the live rock also.
After I week or two add a pair of cleaner shrimp
For water filter feeders Hawiaan fan worms are great
At the six week point I would start to add fish---yellow tangs, chromis, percs, cardinals are good fish to start with.
Stay away from damsels --they tend to grow up quickly and turn into "dam"sels--
Start with snails--they don't just eat algae--debris from the live rock also.
After I week or two add a pair of cleaner shrimp
For water filter feeders Hawiaan fan worms are great
At the six week point I would start to add fish---yellow tangs, chromis, percs, cardinals are good fish to start with.
Stay away from damsels --they tend to grow up quickly and turn into "dam"sels--
Aquarist007
New member
Re: Re: reply
Re: Re: reply
Very difficult to justify using live fish to cycle. Bacteria grow at an exponential rate over time---very little can be done to make a big difference in this rate--this is why the norm is to wait the 4-6 weeks. Live rock/live sand usually supplies enough to feed/stimulate the bacteria
Re: Re: reply
Very difficult to justify using live fish to cycle. Bacteria grow at an exponential rate over time---very little can be done to make a big difference in this rate--this is why the norm is to wait the 4-6 weeks. Live rock/live sand usually supplies enough to feed/stimulate the bacteria
Aquarist007
New member
If you are adding fish to your reef consider it a marriage---"untill death does us part"
If you put a damsel(or any fish)in your tank it is almost impossible to get them out at a later time. Research your fish list and plan it out as a long term project.
If you put a damsel(or any fish)in your tank it is almost impossible to get them out at a later time. Research your fish list and plan it out as a long term project.
