Newly cycled tank

[tjmm]

I have recently completed the cycle on a 75 gallon tank using 4 damsels. I am now interested in adding live rock, cleaner fish and a wider variety of fish. I have 2 inches of cc substrate and am not sure what my best options for cleaners will be. With all of this said, I'm most interested in what of these three steps should come next and how much I should add to the tank. This is my first venture into this hobby, and it has consumed me. I just want to make sound decisions. I would appreciate any input from established hobbyist.

 

[bigarn]

Adding LR now is going to start another cycle. It should have been in from the beginning. Get cured LR and the cycle will be quicker because you'll have less die off.
What are the water parameters right now?

 

[tjmm]

PH 8.0
Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 30+
Salt 1.21

 

[bigarn]

It appears your tank has cycled...add LR and wait out the next one. Once your ammonia and nitrite spike and come down to 0 do a 10% waterchange to get the nitrates down to 20 or less.
After that you can add inverts and if all parameters remain stable, a couple of weeks after that you can add fish.

 

[tjmm]

How much LR would you recommend?

 

[bigarn]

Originally posted by tjmm
How much LR would you recommend?
The rule of thumb is about 1.5lbs per gallon...but this would depend on the size and texture of the rock and what you feel looks good.

 

[tjmm]

I appreciate your help! One more question then I'll leave you alone. After the cycle with the LR, what types and how many of the inverts?

 

[bigarn]

Originally posted by tjmm
I appreciate your help! One more question then I'll leave you alone. After the cycle with the LR, what types and how many of the inverts?
Assorted snails, scarlet hermits and emerald crabs should be a good start.....around 20 assorted snails, 15 hermits and 5 emeralds.
See how they do, just my opinion.