View Full Version : when to add clean up crew
ClownieandBilly
06-26-2003, 5:45 PM
is it ok to add cleanup crew and sand sifting critters as soon as tank has cycled and live rock is in place?
kreblak
06-26-2003, 10:20 PM
I would say yes, as long as the cycle is complete and your ammonia and nitrites are zero.
a_free_bird73
06-27-2003, 12:39 AM
I would say NO because there is little for the clean up crew to clean up. Personally, I would not add any clean up crew until a tank is well established (several months). Clean up crew is part of a natural balance in the tank which varies depending on your stocking and setup but I generally like to add them slowly as required and not over do it. That is a personal openion and nothing more
kreblak
06-27-2003, 8:40 AM
It is a matter of preferance. You can add them after the cycle, but should you? I added mine one month after the cycle was complete and there were fish in the tank. It was right about the time I got my first diatom bloom, so I needed them badly.
Ray Pollett
06-27-2003, 11:45 AM
Add the clean up crew and detrivores when the cycle is complete. Feed 2 or 3 times a day. Let them get established for 3 weeks before you add any fish. You'll be glad you did; especially with the detrivores; as they will multiply durring this period to levels they can have a better chance to surstain after the fish are added.
Ray
Feed 2 or 3 times a day.
What should you be feeding it with?
Ray Pollett
06-28-2003, 10:19 AM
tank,
I use flake foods.
Ray
Thanks Ray,
That is what I have been using but I am a little worried because all it seems to do is blow around and I do not see any of the critters getting it. Do you think I should shut down the power heads for a few minutes?
Ray Pollett
07-02-2003, 8:53 AM
Originally posted by tank
Thanks Ray,
That is what I have been using but I am a little worried because all it seems to do is blow around and I do not see any of the critters getting it. Do you think I should shut down the power heads for a few minutes?
I never turn off the flow or lower it for feeding. I like it blown all around. After an hour or two you should not see any of the flakes left.
Ray