Week 3...invertebrates....?

My tank has been cycling for 3 weeks and it looks like it is coming along great. Just the other day i noticed that there are two tiny snails crawling on the glass. Im taking this as good sign that everything is heading in the right direction. Would it be okay I went to the LFS and picked up a cleaning crew? or is this unnecessary until there are fish in the tank?

thanks guys!

 

oh one more question. when can i start turning on the lights?

 

I think the lights can be on now. About the cleaner crew, I waited a while for mine, because there really shouldn't be much for them to clean. They most likely will starve....

 

Couple of questions:
Do you have a fish in it yet? What type of LR are you using (base rock, etc)? How did you start the tank (LS in a bag, LS from established aquarium)??

Put your tank stats in your signature so it will help people to answer your question.

 

No fish in yet. Im using cured fiji LR and LS from the bag. Would it okay to put a couple of false percula in?

 

by a couple I hope you mean a pair...definitely not more than 2 clowns - assuming you have less than 75g.

As far as the CUC, I'd wait another week or two, then add some (not a full CUC) and see how they do.

 

Only add one fish. I like to use one yellow tailed damsel but you could try one percula clownfish (and add another, smaller clownfish of the same species later to be its mate).

 

Congrats on being patient.

You are doing the right things & asking right questions!

Keep it up and you will have a beautiful tank in time.

 

If you used fully cured LR and/or LS you may not really see a "cycle" as the rock and substrate should keep things in check (provided you have enough).

Clowns are part of the damsel family and are fairly hardy so that's a good choice to start with. As far as inverts go, I would wait a bit more.

You really don't have the need for lights at this point aside from aesthetics. Even so, try to keep lights to a bare minimum as they will promote algae.

It's very very important to go slow with this hobby otherwise it can become a nightmare and complete turn-off.

Patience is a real virtue in salt water and it pays dividends down the road....trust me!

Good luck with your tank and keep us posted. Everyone here is here to help.

 

Yeah, im only planning on starting off with 2 clowns. Should i get them at differnet times? or at the same time. I just took a trip to the LFS and they said they are getting a shippment tomorrow. Im debating on weather i should pick one up. I just tested my NO2, NO3 and ammonia and everything is at 0. still wait? any advice is great.