Intro of LR in new tank

[bheron]

In my new 75g, I plan to add the LR after the RO/DI water is added, LS is in, the salt is added, and the temp is right. When do I add the first specimens? I've heard the order should be:
1) LR
2) Cleaner crew
3) Hardy Fish and Hardy inverts
I know this is all do be done gradually and there are specific acclimation procedures to be followed. Just trying to get down the recommended order.

 

[bdhough]

i personally would add 50+ lbs of rock and let it sit for a week. If all the parameters check out then try a damsel or two if you like any of them, definitely some snails and hermits to start caretaking the rock. Otherwise if the levels are escalated let it sit for another week or two. The rock will eventally cycle the tank. If the rock is very well cured you may never run into an escalation of harmful levels. Its always a good idea to wait at least 4 weeks before putting anything valauble in.

 

[reefnut]

I would add the LR throw in a dead shrimp and let it cycle before putting in any fish or inverts. The starter cleanup crew doesn't need to be big. But as the tank progresses more cleaners will need to be added.

 

[bheron]

What about the "Cleaner" packages they sell here on the site? I was plannin on just purchasing one of those after my LR cycled completely. Is that "too much at once"? Also, if I allow my LR to complete a full cycle will there be too much algae in there that a cleaner crew won't be able to catch up on?

 

[reefnut]

You could get a cleaner package, just make sure if there is not enough algae and stuff for them to eat that you feed them.
As long as your going slow the clean up crew should not have any trouble catching up. It is best to let the tank cycle before adding any live critters.
BTW, good choice on your water source...

 

[the claw]

I wouldn't cycle with damsels. I don't even use the cocktail shrimp, becasue of the new live rock haveing lots of dead stuff on it. I know alot of people do the shrimp thing, and thats ok, but I definately wouldn't use live damsels. 2 reasons. Why kill a fish just because it is cheap, and second, you now have aggressive damsels in your tank to deal with, if they survive the process. If you are thinking, I'll just remove them- GOOD LUCK. You'll have to remove most of your rock work to getem'

 

[reefnut]

Originally posted by The Claw
you now have aggressive damsels in your tank to deal with, if they survive the process. If you are thinking, I'll just remove them- GOOD LUCK. You'll have to remove most of your rock work to getem'
Good point, they are lightning fast and fit in small places.

 

[bheron]

I've learned my lesson on damsles - too agressive for established tanks. And b/c they're in there first, they already have a stronghold on their territory - a big empty tank! Right now I have two that are still in my old tank that I'm going to use to start over with. Not sure what to do with the buggers - hoping the LFS will take them.
As far as the shrimp, I'm planning on starting with un-cured LR, so I was thinking I wouldn't need to go that far.