New Tank

[ffmurray]

Just starting a new RSR250. I have rock and sand in. When is a good time to add some sort of snails, crabs or shrimp? I’m doing the cycle now. Also do you quarantine them? (I’ve learned with freshwater to quarantine everything). I’m planningu on an algae eater of some sort to start off with for fish.

 

[davidcalgary29]

Don't add them until your cycle is finished. Snails in particular are sensitive to ammonia, and you'll likely end up with a dead CUC.

You can either add your clean up crew immediately after cycling, and then impose a 45 or 72 (76) day fallow period before putting in your fish, feeding them supplementally with nori until your microbial load builds up; or add them gradually as you tank becomes able to support them. The latter approach risks introducing disease into your tank but has many passionate defenders on this site.

 

[polyppal]

Get familiar with the search function here, there’s a lot of great articles on all your questions. Welcome!