Brand New 8 gallon bio cube

[CarrieB]

24 hours up and running. Live rock, live sand, small ball of cheato. Do I need to add a piece of shrimp now? I am a little confused about the whole step by step process. I have been told almost opposite things. What is the first visible sign I should look for? About when should I expect it?

Did your rock come out of a working stable tank?

 

[Katrina71]

Yes it did.

 

[CarrieB]

Then in my opinion, all you need to do is test for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. I would do it every day or two for a week or so to make sure nothing big is dying on the rock.

It's not like you are going to be piling on the bioload in this tank, but go slow with the additions and test for ammonia after each increase, just to make sure the rock is handling the load.

 

[Katrina71]

I'm going to be good and wait a month. I'm trying to not rush into getting anything. My son is begging for fish. I'm also giving myself a little time to save up. This is a pretty expensive hobby to get started in.

 

[CarrieB]

Well, if you need motivation, I always recommend waiting 76 days before adding fish to make sure the tank is clean of parasites.

Coral and inverts are a relatively low bioload, BTW. And snails and hermit crabs are cheap and entertaining.

 

[cameronh]

I've heard Xenia is good at cleaning water and grows like a weed.

It definitely grows like a weed. Lol

 

[cameronh]

I am brand new to saltwater. My son got an 8 gallon bio cube. I know this is too small, but I promised I'd try. I have 1 piece of dead coral for decor and that's it. We hope to have 2 tiny fish and maybe 2 shrimp. We also like hermit crabs. What equipment, substrate would you guys suggest? I'd like to use easy (forgiving) live macro algae to help balance this tank. Please be kind with responses. I have been called names elsewhere and was referred here to learn.

Welcome to reef2reef!
Sorry you were called names elsewhere but you are at the right place now.
There's none of that going on here, however there are a few "debates" lol.

We have an awesome group of people here to help at all times of the day (and night) that are happy to do so.
I'll be tagging along.

 

[Blacktank]

Show us a picture of your live Rock. It will be easier to determine what is growing on it, and how to cycle your system

 

[Katrina71]

Show us a picture of your live Rock. It will be easier to determine what is growing on it, and how to cycle your system

I have no idea how to put a picture on here yet. I don't Facebook either lol.

 

[cameronh]

I have no idea how to put a picture on here yet. I don't Facebook either lol.

Are you using the app or the actual website?

 

[Katrina71]

Well, if you need motivation, I always recommend waiting 76 days before adding fish to make sure the tank is clean of parasites.

Coral and inverts are a relatively low bioload, BTW. And snails and hermit crabs are cheap and entertaining.

Does this include shrimp and crabs too?

 

[Katrina71]

I had planned on a month or more before adding fish if those appeared healthy and our water tested ok.

 

[cameronh]

Does this include shrimp and crabs too?

Shrimp can go in. What kind of crabs?

 

[Katrina71]

Are you using the app or the actual website?

The website. Doing it on my phone though.

 

[cameronh]

The website. Doing it on my phone though.

If you are using the app;

click in the circled red option

Then

it will jump to this screen and click on one of those.
I'll show you how to do it on the site as well.

 

[Katrina71]

Shrimp can go in. What kind of crabs?

I have no idea yet. I'm not even sure what kind of shrimp. I'd like to only use critters that are tank appropriate and perform a useful function. Being colorful is a bonus. I know pistol shrimp are probably not a good idea. I also know that clown Goby are not really the best choice for this tank.

 

[cameronh]

For the site click upload file first, select a photo and click done then post.

 

[Katrina71]

The website. Doing it on my phone though.

Cool. Thank you. I think I need to get the app.

 

[Katrina71]

I'm learning. Pretty soon I'll be posting like a big girl

 

[cameronh]

Cool. Thank you. I think I need to get the app.

The app is having crashing issues right now lol. I'm having to retype everything at the moment haha.

I have no idea yet. I'm not even sure what kind of shrimp. I'd like to only use critters that are tank appropriate and perform a useful function. Being colorful is a bonus. I know pistol shrimp are probably not a good idea. I also know that clown Goby are not really the best choice for this tank.

A cleaner shrimp would be a good choice.
A yellow clown goby isn't a bad option. It's just trying to get them to eat at first.
Once you have that down your good to go! But gotta stay on top of maintenance.
I had a yellow clown goby in my 3 gallon for a year before taking it down.