Too Soon For A CUC?

[Flying Turkey]

I was wondering how soon after completing a new tank cycle should I add a clean up crew.

I just finished cycling, and the diatoms have arrived. I've got brown diatoms on my sand, rocks and tank glass. I even saw some down in the sump.

Water parameters are pretty good:

Temp: 79.5
Salinity: 1.023
PH: 8.2
Ammonia: 0
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 5
Calcium: 420
Alk: 9.2 dkh
Magnesium: 1480

I have not checked phosphates as I do not have a test kit for that yet.

So, should I add a clean up crew now or wait until I get cyano or other algae?

 

[Smitty]

Now that your cycle is over with, and all the levels have stabilized, it's safe to add a cuc to the tank...especially since you're growing algae for them to eat.

 

[caragol]

Agreed. I'd suggest trying to find some that will breed in your tank as well as the standard guys you'd buy. Misc worms, microstars, stomatellas, collonista snails, etc. are all cool and you don't have to worry about flipping them back over before something feasts on it (stupid astreas).

 

[Flying Turkey]

Agreed. I'd suggest trying to find some that will breed in your tank as well as the standard guys you'd buy. Misc worms, microstars, stomatellas, collonista snails, etc. are all cool and you don't have to worry about flipping them back over before something feasts on it (stupid astreas).

So where do I find such creatures?

I was going to buy some snails and a brittle star or two from reefcleaners.com

 

[caragol]

So where do I find such creatures?

I was going to buy some snails and a brittle star or two from reefcleaners.com

Other reefers usually. I've seen them at local stores as well since they hitchhike and just asked for them.

 

[maidia]

Salinity: 1.023 need up to 1.025 - 1.026 for SPS
Calcium: 420 OK --> I like 450
Alk: 9.2 dkh ---> I like 7.5 to 8.5
Magnesium: 1480 --> I like 1250 - 1300