Tank too sterile for CUC?

[NielsC]

Hey everyone

Roughly 3 weeks ago I started up my nano tank (RSM nano) with RRR, dead sand and the Red Sea mature kit.
The tank already seems to have cycled (ammonia and nitrites flirting with the detection limit of my Salifert kits)

I'm a little confused as to what to do next, because the tank is quite sterile: no algae, no detritus,... I know the first step would be to establish a decent CUC, but these fellas wouldn't have anything to feed on.
What should I do? Introduce some copepods and other critters to the tank first? Add a CUC but actually "feed" them until I add other life stock?

I'm a little confused and Im not sure what to do next. I planned everything but didnt expect to run into this.

All help welcome

Greets NIeks

 

[Tahoe61]

Start with some smaller hermit crab types. They are easily feed with regular fish food. I would wait until you see some significant algae growth before adding snails. Hermits are hardy and can handle water irregularities associated with a new tank.

 

[Auquanut]

I would tend to agree with Tahoe61. Adding a few hermits and feeding them lightly will help keep your bacteria thriving. I would think you'll start seeing some algae growth (uglies) soon.