When to add microfauna?

[ReefWithCare]

Hi all,

I’m getting closer to completing my setup (plumbing tank right now). I’m looking at my tank cycle. I’m going to use Dr. Tim’s one and only or Fritz turbo start (whichever I can get my hands on) with ammonia to start up the cycle.

I know some reefers have added microfauna and plankton after the cycle (Coral12G comes to mind). Have have you folks approached this? I like the idea of adding the pods & fauna before fish if that works out. I have a ton of rock to work with (over 150 lbs —- probably have too much for my 125G). My fuge is a little over 14 gallons in size. I’m planning on getting the pods from algae barn.

None of the fish I’m planning in stocking will need microfauna to feed off of. I just want the pods and stuff. I had a ton of them in my last setup from live rock years ago before I had to take it down.

 

[tdileo]

just wait until the cycles over. All animals regardless of how small will experience some stress from the ammonia and changes of a cycling tank. I’m sure you can add them whenever but your best bet is to wait.