hagfish
Active Member
I have recently started my first saltwater aquarium. It is a 20 gallon with CC and right now about 5 lbs of LR, although I'm going to add some more. It has been cycling for a week now (started with dead shrimp and LR) and the ammonia and nitrites are getting pretty low. Nitrates are high at about 60 ppm. I was thinking that once I get my levels to normal I would wait a week to make sure they stay stable and then add a fish or two. I have a couple questions about livestock.
First, at what time would it be ok to add a cleanup crew? I would like to get some snails, hermit crabs, and maybe a shrimp or two. Do those things need to be added after the cycle is complete? I understand that for fish it is like torture to be in during the cycle, but I wasn't sure about these other creatures. Also, what are some good starter fish (other than damsels) that are fairly cheap and enjoyable? I would like to get at least one bottom dweller like a blenny. Other than that, I know clowns are supposed to be fairly easy to keep and I might consider one of those. Anything else I should look into?
First, at what time would it be ok to add a cleanup crew? I would like to get some snails, hermit crabs, and maybe a shrimp or two. Do those things need to be added after the cycle is complete? I understand that for fish it is like torture to be in during the cycle, but I wasn't sure about these other creatures. Also, what are some good starter fish (other than damsels) that are fairly cheap and enjoyable? I would like to get at least one bottom dweller like a blenny. Other than that, I know clowns are supposed to be fairly easy to keep and I might consider one of those. Anything else I should look into?
