[dragon174]

okay, this has probably been a question asked so many times I hope i don't offend anyone (it's just been a long time since i set up a new tank)

my new 70 gallon cube has been up for at least two weeks now with 77lbs of live rock and live sand. the cycling process is in over drive and i have brown diatoms all over the tank (glass, rock, overflow box, etc).

when would be a good time to add a clean up crew (snails, hermit crabs, etc)?

thanks.

 

[ystmarroon]

NOW!

 

[Sylock]

Ah ... well if the cycle is still going I would wait. Snails aren't that forgiving with Ammonia or Nitrite. Crabs would make it through with some casualties. The diatoms will come and go with or without the clean up crew. I personally would wait till the nitrite comes down.

Reeftopia has the best prices, but the group order isn't until mid November right now.