Add snails/critters during cycling or after? - Aquarium Advice

YourPalCM · 10-29-2006, 11:42 AM

Setting up my first FOWLR tank...

Here's my latest dumb question...

When I add my live rock and begin cycling the tank, should I add the critters (snails, crabs, etc) right away or should I wait until the tank has fully cycled?

Hara · 10-29-2006, 11:48 AM

You need to wait until you do the water change at the end of the cycle. Inverts are very sensitive to poor water quality.

**roka64** · 10-29-2006, 03:53 PM

I agree with Hara, if you add them too soon, they more than likely would die, possibly prolonging your cycle.

**melosu58** · 10-29-2006, 05:51 PM

They will not survive the cycle IMO

10-31-2006, 01:36 AM

Agreed with everyone. I have noticed talking to many people that some have a misconception that inverts are not sensitive like fish when in fact most are more sensitive.

alaher2 · 11-16-2006, 09:39 PM

The consensus is correct, if you place any inverts into the tank during your cycle, they will not make it. I would wait until your tank is done cycling, do a water change, and the next day test the water. Depending on the results of the water test, then add the inverts you like.

GuOD · 11-16-2006, 09:44 PM

What percentage water change are we talking at the end of cycling?

25%?

Is it ok to simply add cold tap water to the tank and then add salt at the same time?

**melosu58** · 11-16-2006, 09:53 PM

If there is nothing in the tank. Nothing but salt and water. You`ll need to wait a few days to make sure your salinity is right before adding sand and LR.

GuOD · 11-16-2006, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by melosu58

If there is nothing in the tank. Nothing but salt and water. You`ll need to wait a few days to make sure your salinity is right before adding sand and LR.

Was that in response to me?

My tank right now is cycling with some liverock/baserock and will be ready in January. At this time how much water should I change?

When I do my partial water changes during the week can I simply add water and then add some salt to the tank after?

fargo_182 · 11-16-2006, 11:32 PM

you want to premix the water before doing the PWC, letting it settle for atleast 24 hours with a heater and powerhead/airstone. Gets the PH where you need it to be and temperature or your readings will be wacky. And if you did it the way you were asking, and had inhabitants you would basically shock/kill them.

10-29-2006, 11:42 AM	#1
YourPalCM Aquarium Advice Regular Join Date: May 2004 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 56	Add snails/critters during cycling or after? Setting up my first FOWLR tank... Here's my latest dumb question... When I add my live rock and begin cycling the tank, should I add the critters (snails, crabs, etc) right away or should I wait until the tank has fully cycled?

10-29-2006, 11:48 AM	#2
Hara Aquarium Advice Addict Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Louisiana Posts: 6,867 Images: 33	You need to wait until you do the water change at the end of the cycle. Inverts are very sensitive to poor water quality. __________________ ~~~~~Hara~~~~~~ View My Tanks Visit FantasyReef.com's Databases!

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10-31-2006, 01:36 AM	#5
Guest Posts: n/a	Agreed with everyone. I have noticed talking to many people that some have a misconception that inverts are not sensitive like fish when in fact most are more sensitive.

11-16-2006, 09:39 PM	#6
alaher2 Aquarium Advice Activist Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 120	The consensus is correct, if you place any inverts into the tank during your cycle, they will not make it. I would wait until your tank is done cycling, do a water change, and the next day test the water. Depending on the results of the water test, then add the inverts you like.

11-16-2006, 09:44 PM	#7
GuOD Aquarium Advice Freak Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 236 Images: 8	What percentage water change are we talking at the end of cycling? 25%? Is it ok to simply add cold tap water to the tank and then add salt at the same time?

11-16-2006, 11:32 PM	#10
fargo_182 Aquarium Advice Apprentice Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 12	you want to premix the water before doing the PWC, letting it settle for atleast 24 hours with a heater and powerhead/airstone. Gets the PH where you need it to be and temperature or your readings will be wacky. And if you did it the way you were asking, and had inhabitants you would basically shock/kill them.