TampaReefer79
Premium Member
I think maybe what TampaReefer79 meant was that even after the end of the cycle, the system won't have matured and stabilized until much later; and therefore wouldn't be ready for fishes like tangs, which really do require pristine water quality. Captive-bred clownfish are much more robust than tangs.
I've kept three marine tanks so far (all of but one of them with captive-bred clownfish). I've always added my pair of clowns a week or two after the cycle was completed, with no problems (but I didn't add any more fish until months later). You seem pretty cautious and conscientious to begin with and you have experience, so I think you should be fine. Have you decided on a species?
:thumbsup: UNC to the rescue! You read my mind exactly.