When to add cleanup crew?

[Solly]

How fully does one's tank need to be cycled before adding the cleanup crew?

I'm currently at

ammonia : 0
nitrites: 0.025
nitrates: 5

Should I expect to be ready for a cleanup crew by next week?

-Solly

 

[dc_909]

Does it look like you need them? If not, I would wait a bit longer.

 

[IPowderBlueTang]

After your tank has finish cycling when all reading are at 0 then add only a couple snail or crabs and see how they do for a week or two before putting in some more.

 

[Solly]

Thanks for the info guys. I'm having a major hair algae bloom, but I'll wait a bit longer.

-Solly

 

[illal]

wait till the tank is cyled if you want them to live ;

 

[nhlives]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9298895#post9298895 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Solly
Thanks for the info guys. I'm having a major hair algae bloom, but I'll wait a bit longer.

-Solly

I have the same algae problem and the exact same tank numbers. Waiting is so hard when the algae is taking over. Hey experts how about a couple of saltwater acclimated mollies? What is the collective wisdom? Or is the answer that "patience" thing?

 

[btkrausen]

maybe cut the time the lights are on back a bit to help with algae, helped me when i had just a little growing

 

[iceman5]

or go to the lfs and get a couple of those big turbos they do wonders

 

[b.branscombe]

I personally wouldn't bother with the mollies. I have four and they do nothing for the algae. Also, if you still have them by the time you get real fish, they'll eat quite a bit of the food you put in that's destined for the fish you like. Others seems to love them though, but they haven't worked out in my case.