CUC Question....

[lennyd4]

I am in the process of cycling (fishless) a 65 gallon SW aquarium. When should I add a CUC ? Only when I see an algae bloom? Before or After I add my first 2 fish (Pair of Ocellaris clowns) ? Any tips would be appreciated.

 

[Murfman]

Add them after you test 0s for ammonia and nitrites.

 

[skinz78]

Agreed, add them when all harmful levels are zero or you could just make it worse and extend the cycle.

 

[lennyd4]

Ok, I did read that, but do you think it would be smarter if I wait to add them after I get my fish so that they will have a higher chance of survival ?

 

[Murfman]

If you "feed" the tank so they have something to eat, they should be fine. If you wait till you have algae blooms, then you are playing catch up. Algae is already growing, you just cant see the cells. If you have stuff on your glass, the snails have food.

 

[skinz78]

I would add them when you add your first fish, go slow with adding fish though, only bad things happen quickly in this hobby.

 

[lennyd4]

I plan on adding a pair of Ocellaris clowns after the cycle is complete then I will probably wait a while after that for anymore fish. Right now I have no algae visible anywhere.