Inverts

[kimismurf]

So I have my tank set up with live sand/rock and has been cycling for a few weeks. I'm not ready to add any yet but thought now would be a good time to start thinking about what to add first. I think inverts should help clean up some algae in my tank. I'm not sure what kind of algae it is but it's red in color.

My question is, What inverts should I start with? I thought about going with some Trochus or Nassariussnails or some hermit crabs. I figure now is the time to get some input and do some research.

 

[irahmatulla]

In my experience a CuC (clean up crew) is always the first step. You are more than likely experiencing a diatom bloom. Nass and hermits are a good idea. I would suggest a few Ceriths, and trochus. Have you gotten any aptasia? I would maybe pick up a peppermint shrimp as well. I have never messed with Emerald crabs, but I often seen them sold in "reef cleaner packages."

 

[seth the wine guy]

IRahmatulla;698993 wrote: Have you gotten any aptasia?

What makes you ask about a new set up and aptasia?

 

[ripped tide]

Aptasia comes in on live rock... might as well take care of it early.

Edit: Many moons ago, aptasias were sold in the pet industry... a lot of newbs feed them and care for them before someone informs them. I think it is a good thing that he asked.

 

[irahmatulla]

I know when I started out, I went for the LR with the most "stuff on it" and 9/10 it was aiptasia. Ripped hit it right on the head. Better to get it gone before introducing rocks with coral. A lot of time too. It will shrink up in the bag during transport, and may not even know it is there until it has moved/spread.

 

[kimismurf]

Ripped Tide;699047 wrote: Aptasia comes in on live rock... might as well take care of it early.

Edit: Many moons ago, aptasias were sold in the pet industry... a lot of newbs feed them and care for them before someone informs them. I think it is a good thing that he asked.

No, they have a bad problem with it at a store by my house and this how I learned about it. They put a yellow butterfly in there and he is eating it. I did not but any rock from there.

 

[irahmatulla]

Just keep an eye out. The LFS store I have here in savannah, cooks all their live rock together, and has no room to put anything in to eat the aiptasia. Just keep an eye on it. How long has the tank been set up? I also, when starting a tank. Will put a little food in there, or maybe even a half of a raw shrimp to give the beneficial bacteria something to break down. Kind of like a starter bio-load.

 

[frdagaa]

Hermits and trochus and peppermint shrimp have worked well for me.

 

[kimismurf]

The tank had been set up for 2 weeks. I added the rock on Saturday.

 

[irahmatulla]

I would add the snails first, they will work on your algae bloom. Then add the hermits and shrimp, I would "feed" the tank, and the hermits and shrimp will break it down. This will work on the cycle. Saturday as in three days ago? I would wait another two weeks before adding the inverts. You have to think in the way of creationism. Right now, you have nothing but the "single celled" stuff, in a little while add your crawlers, and eventually swimmers. Maybe not the best analogy, but this works for me. After a whole month of starting up I would put in your inverts IMHO.

 

[kimismurf]

IRahmatulla;699260 wrote: I would add the snails first, they will work on your algae bloom. Then add the hermits and shrimp, I would "feed" the tank, and the hermits and shrimp will break it down. This will work on the cycle. Saturday as in three days ago? I would wait another two weeks before adding the inverts. You have to think in the way of creationism. Right now, you have nothing but the "single celled" stuff, in a little while add your crawlers, and eventually swimmers. Maybe not the best analogy, but this works for me. After a whole month of starting up I would put in your inverts IMHO.

How do I feed the tank? With chemicals and bacteria you mean?

 

[gnashty]

with food, the diatom bloom you have may not be enough to feed the inverts therefore you have to supplement the feeding.

 

[kimismurf]

gnashty;699652 wrote: with food, the diatom bloom you have may not be enough to feed the inverts therefore you have to supplement the feeding.

I dont have any inverts yet. I think my cycle is done. The levels have ll been good for 5 days with the salinity being right for 3 days.

 

[irahmatulla]

kimismurf;699658 wrote: I dont have any inverts yet. I think my cycle is done. The levels have ll been good for 5 days with the salinity being right for 3 days.

The cycle may be complete, but every time you add new additions to the tank, the "bioload" will go up. The adding of food to a tank feeds the bacteria, and ensures that they can break down what your soon to be additions do not eat. Drop some food in the tank, maybe in the morning, and then test in the afternoon. If you still have correct params, you are ready. You may get a little NitrAtes, but this is normal. As long as you do not get the first two, you are ready!:up: