apmark Posted October 5, 2006 Share Posted October 5, 2006 I just set up my tank about 2 weeks ago with partially cured live rock. I've finished the curing and the tank has fully cycled and I'm set to do a 20 %water change tonight. According to some references, I'm ready to get a clean up crew this weekend but I read in another book (Reef secrets) that I should just let it run for as long as 8 weeks to three months before adding anything. Is that really necessary? What are the potential benefits? I'm anxious to get going but I'll hold off it it's really better. What are your thoughts/experiences with this? Thanks! Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GKarshens Posted October 5, 2006 Share Posted October 5, 2006 I just waited until the cycle was finished. Be careful not to add too much at once though or you will start a new one. How about some pics of your set-up? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xcreonx Posted October 5, 2006 Share Posted October 5, 2006 Letting it run for months before adding livestock is always great idea. You're giving the smaller life that came in on your rock (THE reason you bought live rock) a chance to establish and multiply. Copepods, micro fauna, etc all need time without predators to breed. If you add predators too early, there's a good chance your micro fauna populations won't establish. I'd say give it some time to grow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dhayden Posted October 5, 2006 Share Posted October 5, 2006 I agree totally. A few snails wont hurt and a Nasarius one to stir up the sand a little. I made the mistake of putting some peppermints in mine in the beginning and never established a good bunch of critters until I took them out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
apmark Posted October 9, 2006 Author Share Posted October 9, 2006 Thanks for your input. I decided to put in just a few snails, 3 tiny hermit crabs and 1 cleaner shrimp (hope that wasn't a mistake). I'll wait another month then add the rest of the clening crew and wait another month before doing anything else. Does that sound reasonable? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+ACampbell Posted October 9, 2006 Share Posted October 9, 2006 I don't know how you can wait that long. I guess patience is a virtue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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