why do you have inverts if you're cycling? you're going to kill the inverts.
snails, imo, are boring. Shrimp, crabs, stars are fun to watch, urchins can be cool to. I stick with inverts I can feed, that way, I can keep them alive. If you only want one shrimp, CBS are way cool...crabs are fun too...one we had kept picking stuff up and sticking it to himself, forget which one. Cleaner clams don't do much, but are still cool, imo.
I always just add up enough inverts to = $79. If you need fish, you could get a fish or a pair of fish and add then with inverts (that way you'd get less inverts)
Wowm, 30 snails total? That seems like a lot.. What about the "packages" offered on the website. Which one of those do you all recommend for 30g?
NONE, make your own, that way, you can get what you want. I agree, don't just add 30 snails, I never had any algea, so all my snails kept dying (figured that part out later).
So, wait for your tank to cycle. Then get a clean up crew and fish. go slow.
also, what kind of star? some need established tank and aren't going to like changes in levels.
Good luck and tell husband he's going to have to wait a bit longer.
