vcampos2000 Posted October 29, 2012 Share Posted October 29, 2012 We just set up a Fluval Edge 12Gal nano reef tank using live sand, live rocks, and ocean water from Petco in additon to setting up heating, lighting, and filtration. What is the first tank inhabitants should we introduce first after the tank is cycled? Thank you. Link to comment
19jeffro83 Posted October 29, 2012 Share Posted October 29, 2012 A couple hermits if you plan on keeping some, and maybe a couple snails. Link to comment
vcampos2000 Posted October 30, 2012 Author Share Posted October 30, 2012 Thanks for the suggestions. Are shrimps a good addition too? Link to comment
Ibuyen Posted October 30, 2012 Share Posted October 30, 2012 Yes but I would wait week or two till tank cycles. Link to comment
SDartifex Posted October 30, 2012 Share Posted October 30, 2012 Hermits and snails for sure. there cheap, easy to remove if you don't want them later, great indicators for deadly compounds and start cleaning up all the algae from the initial cycle. Be careful buying nay fancy shrimp since there gonna be relatively sensitive to toxic compounds from cycling. Link to comment
longbeach Posted October 30, 2012 Share Posted October 30, 2012 A couple hermits if you plan on keeping some, and maybe a couple snails. +1 Link to comment
stillsyncing Posted October 30, 2012 Share Posted October 30, 2012 Hermits are definitely the way to go, but like they mentioned, make sure your tank has some time to cycle. Hermit crabs are relatively hardy and cheap ($1-2), but you don't want them trying to survive with high levels of ammonia/nitrites. Also, you might need to pick up some food (dried seaweed) if your tank doesn't have enough algae/life growing on rocks for them. Link to comment
vcampos2000 Posted October 31, 2012 Author Share Posted October 31, 2012 I tested my tank for ammonia and Nitrate/Nitrates and the results were zero using test strips. I will test again in a few days. Might try the hermit crabs as suggested after a week or two. Thanks! Link to comment
dormreefer Posted October 31, 2012 Share Posted October 31, 2012 It's great you are interested in testing your water parameters as testing your parameters and maintaining them is the foundation of a successful tank. However, strips aren't known for being very reliable unfortunately and it would be best to find a local fish specialty shop that can test the water for you and confirm your results until you are ready to invest in a more accurate test kit. Link to comment
vcampos2000 Posted October 31, 2012 Author Share Posted October 31, 2012 Has anyone used PetCo to test your nano reef water? Link to comment
Wretched Posted November 1, 2012 Share Posted November 1, 2012 I just finished cycling as well, and I have 2 turbo snails, 2 nessarious snails, and 4 hermits w/ a 14g BC Link to comment
lakshwadeep Posted November 1, 2012 Share Posted November 1, 2012 IMO, you should avoid all hermits and stick with snails only. Eventually, they start becoming predatory on your snails, which can get very expensive! Link to comment
Captain Hook Posted November 1, 2012 Share Posted November 1, 2012 IMO, you should avoid all hermits and stick with snails only. Eventually, they start becoming predatory on your snails, which can get very expensive! +1 avoid hermits, keep them in your sump if you want but dont keep them in a display with snails or they will eat your snails. Hermits grow too large for their shell and need to find a new shell eventually, which means killing your snails for a new shell. I wouldnt trust petco or any fish store for testing water since A) their test kits might be inferior, and its an employee who makes 10 bucks an hour so what do they care if the test is inaccurate. If your going to keep saltwater, you need good test kits, and dont rely on a store to test water for you. If I owned a store, I could tell you your calcium is too low and than sell you a calcium supplement you dont need. Link to comment
stillsyncing Posted November 1, 2012 Share Posted November 1, 2012 This is the way to go, as far as test kits: http://www.apifishcare.com/Products/Produc...px?ProductID=68 Link to comment
vcampos2000 Posted November 2, 2012 Author Share Posted November 2, 2012 This is the way to go, as far as test kits: http://www.apifishcare.com/Products/Produc...px?ProductID=68 Thanks, I've seen that one at the stores! Link to comment
gonzalez78 Posted November 2, 2012 Share Posted November 2, 2012 Not all lfs are like that, if you build a friendship they will help you out. Not to mention you can watch them while they test your water. Link to comment
BulkRate Posted November 4, 2012 Share Posted November 4, 2012 Turbos arent the best choice as far as initial CuC are concerned... Likely you won't have enough nuisance algae to keep them fed. Either exchange them for something like a Solomon trochus, Nerite, or astreas that will do ok with film algae or just get some unseasoned nori to supplement their diet. Should you opt to keep them, I'm betting you'll never have an issue with green hair algae, but at the cost of having to nail down every coral you add. I've had good luck with DWARF species of hermit crabs in my tank. IMO they're one of the best bang for the buck stocking choices as far as entertainment value and utility are concerned. Rotate out a set of 3-5 various sized shells every few weeks and make sure at least a few pellets hit the sandbed at feeding time to keep them well fed and they'll usually be more comical than Lecter-esque. Oh and avoid the blue-legs... NOTHING seems to keep them from an eventual snail murder spree. Link to comment
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