What's next? Don't know what to add

[Annieville]

I'm new to the hobby. Started a 24g tank (24x13x16) at the end of November, after months of research. Did a fishes cycle with Dr. Tim's, then my canister filter (don't start on it!) impaler broke and kind of had to restart a cycle when everything was back in order. Finally added 2 ocellaris and about 8 tiny hermit crabs (dwarf?) mid-February. Had a mini-cycle that was quickly over. My kids love it and so does the cat I seeded copepods 2 weeks ago, which I can see on the glass sometimes. I finally turned on the lights (1 AI Prime 16HD) last Sunday, even though I don't have corals yet.

But what's next? I research and info is confusing. Some say to add more fish; some say to add corals right away; some say to add more CUC before problems start and others say to tailor the CUC to the problem you have; some say to wait for the ugly phase to pass before adding more fish or corals. What do I do? I'm scared of messing things up, it's paralyzing.

Parameters:
SG 1,026
pH 8,0
Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 2,5
Alk 10,2
Phosphate 0,15
Calcium 400

Please advise a lost newbie
Pic of my tank, one clown is hiding behind the feeder

 

[Pistondog]

I'm new to the hobby. Started a 24g tank (24x13x16) at the end of November, after months of research. Did a fishes cycle with Dr. Tim's, then my canister filter (don't start on it!) impaler broke and kind of had to restart a cycle when everything was back in order. Finally added 2 ocellaris and about 8 tiny hermit crabs (dwarf?) mid-February. Had a mini-cycle that was quickly over. My kids love it and so does the cat I seeded copepods 2 weeks ago, which I can see on the glass sometimes. I finally turned on the lights (1 AI Prime 16HD) last Sunday, even though I don't have corals yet.

But what's next? I research and info is confusing. Some say to add more fish; some say to add corals right away; some say to add more CUC before problems start and others say to tailor the CUC to the problem you have; some say to wait for the ugly phase to pass before adding more fish or corals. What do I do? I'm scared of messing things up, it's paralyzing.

Parameters:
SG 1,026
pH 8,0
Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 2,5
Alk 10,2
Phosphate 0,15
Calcium 400

Please advise a lost newbie
Pic of my tank, one clown is hiding behind the feeder

Youve got lots or sand, a goby would be nice.

Google Image Result for https://www.algaebarn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Court-Jester-Goby.png

images.app.goo.gl

And/or some snails would be good.
As for corals, the easiest are xenia, gsp and kenya tree, but can spread quickly.
Zoas are pretty and can be isolated easier.

 

[52728299]

What corals do you like? Sounds like you have enough cuc imo for now and prolly wait a bit longer for more fish. Some hardy corals would be a nice next step. I'd look at different softies to see if any spark your interest, mushrooms, leathers, zoas maybe a Kenya tree.