Invertabrates into FO

[gatorjit]

I am setting up a FO tank right now and I am curious if in time I can introduce a few invertabrates into the tank? Or should I keep it strictly FO and look into a Reef tank later on. I am new to all this and really want both world but I am finding out from my LFS that it is really not safe. Can anyone lend some ideas/help/info...
THX

 

[reef fool]

It depends on the fish you are planning on. Several fish, including several "reef safe" fish will eat shrimp and/or starfish as well as snails and other inverts. If you eventually want a reef tank then be careful of the fish you put in.

 

[gatorjit]

What about intorducing live rock later on after it has cycled and stabilized?

 

[reef fool]

If you add well cured liverock it will be fine. If you buy it over the net, you will have die off on cured rock and may get a spike in amonia-trites-trates. I have never bought rock other than hand selected pieces from the LFS, so I can't speak from experience on shipped stuff.

 

[gatorjit]

I do not have LS, all I have is about 70lbs of crushed coral. Is this OK with the live rock? With the introduction of live rock, will I have to be concerned with anything other than chemical treatments if needed?