How to? And what?

[dexterie]

Hello!

I started a new tank 2 weeks ago, with live rock and live sand. All parameters are ok. Been "ghost feeding" and the ammonia levels are 0 after 2 days.

Is it safe to add the CUC? How many of which? (it's a 20 gallon tank).

I'd like some peppermint shrimp (just in case I get aiptasia, they'd be of some help), but I'd like also other kind of shrimps (red fire or skunk). Can I mix them?

What about snail? I thought about some nassarius so they take care of the sand and/or trochus. How many?

Now, should I add them all at once or do it by phases (let's say... some shrimps now, snails next week, them more snails/shrimp). I don't know how their bioload would affect the new tank.

What about feeding? There are some little algae, but not much. Should I get something for them?

Thank you and sorry for so many questions! ;Shamefullyembarrased

 

[AcroNem]

I'd add any snails/crabs you want to add first, then later once things are completely stable add the shrimp. With a peppermint shrimp and one of the others you should be fine, I wouldn't go throwing 4 different shrimps in there though. You shouldn't need to feed your snails or crabs yet, once your system is fully established you'll get an algae bloom. For the shrimp yes you'll need to feed them, but that's a few weeks out probably.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Agreed. And shrimp are kinda jerks. So look at those.
Snails first. Was it live rock to start?

 

[dexterie]

Agreed. And shrimp are kinda jerks. So look at those.
Snails first. Was it live rock to start?

Yes, live rock and live sand. Parameters have been very stable since the first days. Been ghost feeding to "test" the bacteria and it's all good.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Yes, live rock and live sand. Parameters have been very stable since the first days. Been ghost feeding to "test" the bacteria and it's all good.

Probaly time for some snails and crabs!
Congrats on the new tank.

 

[dexterie]

Probaly time for some snails and crabs!
Congrats on the new tank.

Thank you :)

 

[ZachsZoo]

Trochus snails are awesome, they et a ton of different kind of algae, they live a long time, they have great survival rates, and they keep your tank sparkling. You should add about 1 for every 5-10 gallons so 2-4 snails. But keep in mind that hermit crabs will kill snails for their shells so you should probably avoid them for now.

 

[dexterie]

Trochus snails are awesome, they et a ton of different kind of algae, they live a long time, they have great survival rates, and they keep your tank sparkling. You should add about 1 for every 5-10 gallons so 2-4 snails. But keep in mind that hermit crabs will kill snails for their shells so you should probably avoid them for now.

What if i buy some shells? The LFS has some shells for sale, clean (they come in a package). Should be enough to give the hermits a "dressing room" and leave the snails alone, no?

 

[ZachsZoo]

Yes that would work, but hermit crabs grow big fast, so you would have to continue to buy shells. If you are OK with that, hermit crabs should be fine