When to add cleaner shrimp?

[Thalia]

I've been cycling my 75 gallon since the end of December. It's finally cycled. I added macroalgae (red sawblade, green seagrapes, red bush) and a couple of easy corals (Kenya tree and discosoma mushroom) over the last 2 weeks. It's a 90 min drive to the fish store, so next weekend I'm planning a trip. I was planning on getting snails and hermits, but could I add a cleaner shrimp now too?

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

I've been cycling my 75 gallon since the end of December. It's finally cycled. I added macroalgae (red sawblade, green seagrapes, red bush) and a couple of easy corals (Kenya tree and discosoma mushroom) over the last 2 weeks. It's a 90 min drive to the fish store, so next weekend I'm planning a trip. I was planning on getting snails and hermits, but could I add a cleaner shrimp now too?

That should be fine to add a shrimp....as long as the current animals look like they are doing well.

 

[Thalia]

That should be fine to add a shrimp....as long as the current animals look like they are doing well.

The only other animals in the tank are corals. The Kenya is pouting but getting better every day, the mushroom seems happy though.

 

[W31Olds]

I enjoy my cleaner shrimp. I have 2 and they are joined at the Hip. I would say easy to keep. More so than snails and they are a good indicator of parasites in your Tank. My fish don't like them cleaning them so I figure they are mostly parasite free.

 

[Thalia]

I enjoy my cleaner shrimp. I have 2 and they are joined at the Hip. I would say easy to keep. More so than snails and they are a good indicator of parasites in your Tank. My fish don't like them cleaning them so I figure they are mostly parasite free.

Cool, but should I add the shrimp now before I add any fish?