Recommendation for cleaning crew?

[franz]

Hello,
I am a newbie to the site, and have appreciated all the info everyone has posted as a reference. I am returning to the hobby after a 12 year absence... I just finished setting up my 46 gal tank with canister filter, skimmer, power head, etc, and will be picking up 55lbs of live rock to add saturday. Following the advice I've read here, I have added my shrimp (cocktail reject) to decompose. Now for my questions...
-do I need to test any levels prior to adding LR?
-do I need to wait for my levels to be 'stable' before adding a cleaning crew?
I plan on fish only, and mostly goby, blenny sized fish, so do I need to be cautious with 'who' I pick to be cleaners?
:help:
Any advice you give is greatly appreciated...
Once again, thank you for your replies and your expertise is invaluable to use new or returning to the hobby.
Take care,
Franz:happyfish

 

[arkey.d]

Add your LiveRock when you get it. Should be cured LR. Start testing your levels every other day, so you know whats going on and you don't miss a spike.
Don't add anything until the cycle is complete, then add your cleaner crew. Here is my list for my 55gal. I'm adding them in thirds and may not get all, depends on if needed or not:
15 Scarlet Hermit Crabs
10 Astrea Snails
15 Cerith Snails
15 Nassarius Snails
10 Margarita Snails
5 Peppermint shrimp
2 Emerald Crabs
2 Cleaner Shrimp
Hope that helps ya out...
Dan

 

[franz]

Dan,
Thanks for the follow up. Your knowledge and experience are greatly appreciated. :yes:
Another question in regards to this...
-Is there any acclimation process for snails and such, or can they be put directly into the tank? (minus the water they came with...of course)
Thanks again,
Franz

 

[arkey.d]

Originally posted by Franz
Dan,
Thanks for the follow up. Your knowledge and experience are greatly appreciated. :yes:
Another question in regards to this...
-Is there any acclimation process for snails and such, or can they be put directly into the tank? (minus the water they came with...of course)
Thanks again,
Franz
They need to be acclimated just like a fish. You can check out the acclimation link on the left side of the page for the drip method.

 

[snipe]

Alot of ppl dont acclimate snails.

 

[arkey.d]

Originally posted by Snipe Alot of ppl dont acclimate snails.
I rather be safe then sorry, but thanks for the info.

 

[snipe]

I forgot who it was "I think joker and some others" yeah if you dont want to risk it then acclimate then It wouldnt take long for snails though"

 

[arkey.d]

Originally posted by Snipe
I forgot who it was "I think joker and some others" yeah if you dont want to risk it then acclimate then It wouldnt take long for snails though"
I'm funny when it comes to acclimation, it takes me about 4 hours to acclimate fish, that's twice what's recommended... but hey, doesn't hurt.:joy:

 

[snipe]

not me im gonna follow there instructions im sure there instructions are alittle longer than normal so it will be safe to.

 

[loopy]

at first I was impatient and didn't take a lot of time with the acclimation. Now I am very very very slow, and it has proved to be successful. Dumb luck? maybe, but better safe than sorry, I have spent enough time being sorry!

 

[franz]

Thanks again for you information.
Take care

Franz