Cleanup crew.

[fl3xlinton]

Is it okay to add cleanup crew before tank is cycled completely or will it throw it all out of whack?

 

[NeonRabbit221B]

All good things come to those that wait. Also inverts are sensitive to nitrates so if you chose to go ahead with it do a large WC before adding them.

 

[Desmond]

Unless you are going to add something like colony i would wait nothing happens fast in this hobby

 

[fl3xlinton]

Unless you are going to add something like colony i would wait nothing happens fast in this hobby

What do you mean by colony like a colony of coral? Because I’d hope not

 

[Desmond]

What do you mean by colony like a colony of coral? Because I’d hope not

ATM colony bacteria in a bottle i have used several times with great success

 

[fl3xlinton]

ATM colony bacteria in a bottle i have used several times with great success

I used fritz turbo start it’s been like a wewk and a half still cycling

 

[BeejReef]

You want the initial cycle to be completed... meaning no ammonia or nitrite. Also best to have water changed down the nitrate to a reasonable (subjective) level.

A lot of people take a long view of the cycle to include diatoms, cyano, green hair algae... etc. You don't have to wait for all that. IMHO, add some when the diatoms start dying back and you see the beginnings of green algae. I also found it more fun to add them a few at a time to get a sense of what everyone likes to eat and what they ignore. Then search for guys to eat that too.

 

[Dine]

It’s worth mentioning that not all systems see the “ugly” stage. I’d say it’s safe to add a CUC after ammonia and nitrite are at 0. BUT that’s your first additions. And you have to feed them. I think it’s better to add a fish as your first addition. Timing usually works out where 2-4 weeks later you actually HAVE A NEED FOR A CUC and they can be your second additions.

 

[fl3xlinton]

It’s worth mentioning that not all systems see the “ugly” stage. I’d say it’s safe to add a CUC after ammonia and nitrite are at 0. BUT that’s your first additions. And you have to feed them. I think it’s better to add a fish as your first addition. Timing usually works out where 2-4 weeks later you actually HAVE A NEED FOR A CUC and they can be your second additions.

I have diatoms atm and 2 clowns in ammonia is 0 but n02 and n03 are pretty high. Waiting on those to go down before I get anything else.

 

[BloopFish]

I'd recommend when you do add your CUC, to add them in small amounts. Most clean up crew packages online are overloaded with creatures that will end up starving in your system. Add them in small increments so that you have just enough for them to do their jobs.

 

[fl3xlinton]

I'd recommend when you do add your CUC, to add them in small amounts. Most clean up crew packages online are overloaded with creatures that will end up starving in your system. Add them in small increments so that you have just enough for them to do their jobs.

So like maybe a few snails and crabs here and there

 

[lapin]

Unless I see green growing, I would not add any clean up crew. Now if I wanted a special invert and wanted to feed said invert then.............