Cycling a Biocube 32 Gal. - Water Params

[sunshineb]

Tested my water today with an API kit, Tank has been up and running with live rock, live sand, and pre-mixed salt water purchased at LFS for about 1 week. Water params:
pH: 8.2
Ammonia: about 0.25ppm
Nitrites: 0ppm
Nitrates: 0ppm


Noticed a bit of brown algae growth but LFS says there wouldn't be enough food for snails/hermit crabs first. I thought the steps for cycling were:
1. tank set up with water, filtration, rock, substrate, etc.
2. cycle for a bit
3. add inverts like snails & hermit crabs
4. wait for a bit
5. fish

Am I missing a step? Why wouldn't we want to add hermits/snails right now?

 

[andiesreef]

If your parameters are in check you can start with the hermits and snails. If there is not enough algae to eat you can always supplement with pellets or nori. Additionally, you can probably add your first fish along with the inverts. The waste from the fish will help add nutrients and grow algae for the cuc.

 

[sunshineb]

If your parameters are in check you can start with the hermits and snails. If there is not enough algae to eat you can always supplement with pellets or nori. Additionally, you can probably add your first fish along with the inverts. The waste from the fish will help add nutrients and grow algae for the cuc.

Thank you! What would be a good number for hermits and snails to start with? and would a cleaner shrimp be a good starter too?

 

[Cell]

If you can see algae, it's been growing for awhile. I'd add snails and hermits now.

 

[mrlavalamp]

Thank you! What would be a good number for hermits and snails to start with? and would a cleaner shrimp be a good starter too?

Depends on the tank size and scape, but not very many.

Definitely dont go buy one of those packs with 30 snails and 40 hermits and whatever else. too much too quick and they starve and die.

Start with a few of each type and add as you go.