Second guessing myself

[inkedtx]

Day 17 of cycle.

Tank has a lot of brown algae which I know is supposed to happen. I think I just need to hear it from someone other than the voice in my head. LOL

Also, I've read so many differing opinions on cleaner crews I'd love to get y'alls opinion on how many, types and when to add.

THANK YOU!!

 

[Jay_M]

Good luck with the cycle.

As far as cleanup crew, are you asking when or how big of one?

I'd suggest the video below (if it works) if not if YouTube "brs160 cleanup crew".Definitely brought up some good points.

 

[inkedtx]

I did. Thx! I'm still a little uncertain about when to add.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

yer almost there!
Turn off the light.
read this!
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/choosing-cleanup-crew-critters.258695/(itll give ya something to do) And then ask questions!

I would avoid crabs until you start feeding meat.

 

[inkedtx]

Thanks!!!

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I did. Thx! I'm still a little uncertain about when to add.

ime this weekend.

 

[jsker]

Hello, The system look pretty new, and the algae bloom in part of the course. I would look at putting a clean up crew in after 30 day to start mowing down the algae, and wait at least 60 day before starting to add fish. Be patient and let the tank go through the cycle process.

 

[alyee5]

Looks like diatoms to me...you're doing well...
As for clean up crews....
+1 jsker....
even tho I waited 30 days or so and got ~1/3 of the snails that most CUC vendors suggest...I still didn't have enough algae to support all of them...your tank will tell you

 

[inkedtx]

Looks like diatoms to me...you're doing well...
As for clean up crews....
+1 jsker....
even tho I waited 30 days or so and got ~1/3 of the snails that most CUC vendors suggest...I still didn't have enough algae to support all of them...your tank will tell you

Thank you!

 

[Whipples]

I would go even slower with CuC as some have heavier appetites than others. If it is just your standard diatoms on the rocks, a conch snail for the sand and 2-3 astraea snails for the rocks should be a great start. You don't want them to starve .

Once you've got fish you can add either nassarius snails or cerinth snails to clean up meatier excess. I'm not as big a fan of hermits or other crabs and prefer snails, simply for the fact that they are as peaceful as it gets. Crabs are opportunistic feeders and may not even bother with certain types of algae.

 

[Ty Hamatake]

Keep at it! It's worth it, I promise
Also, +1 on sticking with snails. I've never had a real problem with my hermits, but I find myself cursing them for stealing food from and agitating my corals on a regular basis. Just my opinion.