When to add cleaning crew

[JonPM]

When is a good time to add a cleaning crew to a new tank? I just got my tank up and running so its only been cycling about a week. All the levels are still a little high, and there isn't any algae growing yet.

Also, what is the best mix for a cleaning crew? I was thinking half snails and have hermit crabs.

[OrionGirl]

Cleaners are sensitive--do not add them until ammonia and nitrates are 0, and you've done a water change to drop the nitrates.

I like a mix of inverts--if compatible with your fish, I would go with a mix of snails, hermits, crabs and shrimp.

[mogurnda]

Definitely wait until nitrite has gone to zero.

Mixing species of hermits (like scarlets and blue legs) and snails (astreas, nassarius, trochus, ceriths, strombus, conchs) is also a good idea, to cover your bases. A serpent star or two will also be useful and interesting additions.

[JonPM]

So ammonia, nitrates AND nitrites all have to be at 0?

[mogurnda]

Nitrate doesn't have to be zero. Under 20 is good, under 10 better.

[OrionGirl]

Sorry--typo on my part. Should have said nitrites, not nitrates. While high nitrates are not good for many inverts, they do not have to be 0.