First Fish

[JeffJ]

Ok...so the water quality seems to be stable since 1/4. I added 80# LR on 1/12 and water still test normal. LFS guy says I'm safe for fish. What do you think? How many should I add at once? I think I want to start w/ a pair of clowns, but I also want a goby. Should I wait another week to add any fish? (tank has been running since 1/1). Is 3 too many to add at first? I've read several things about acclimating the fish...can someone break it down into some simple steps w/ small words for the new guy?

TIA...

 

[nano_thomas]

You might want to give your tank size. I'm assuming it's 50g+ since you have 80# in there. Have you already had your diatom bloom (attack of the brown algae)?

I wouldn't add but 1 fish to start with.

Secondly, you should get together a list of fish you want to have. Once you have that list together you should add in order from least aggressive to most aggressive.

Have you added your clean-up crew?

 

[JeffJ]

Hey Guys...

I always forget that part!

58 RR w/ a wd and a protein skimmer
The LR came from an established tank (about a year -- I transported it in saltwater and it has been in the tank since 1/12).
There is a small cleaning crew: 4-6 crabs; 5-7 small snails

Any more thoughts?

 

[FranktheTank]

Add some fish!!

Look into some more cuc also.

 

[JeffJ]

Thanks Frank!

What should I do in the way of more cuc?

TIA!

 

[FranktheTank]

Well, not knowing much about your tank is a little difficult. Assuming you have a DSB, I would add some nassarious snails.

I would suggest at least a dozen to 20 snails for your tank.

Also, I love hermits personally. But I prefer a little variety. Something very colorful and rare. Not just the plain jain blue leg hermit. Instead, maybe an electric blue hermit. Or a zebra hermit, halloween hermit. Some scarlet reef hermits.

How bout a sand sifting cucumber? Or a shrimp.. cleaner or something.

There's a start. I would get some ideas at some online websites and then decide from there. I love inverts!!!

 

[v320]

@reefready wrote:

You probably already checked this, but just thought I'd ask.
You mentioned that your water parameters are stable. Do you have any nitrites or ammonia at all at this point?
What are your nitrates at currently?

Personally, I wouldn't add any more in way of a clean up crew, until you know that crew you have is not sufficient for the amount of work you need done. You will most probably need more, but add them slowly. Many add too many before the tank has enough for them to consume, and as a result they starve.
A general rule of thumb to follow is: add a couple, as you see you need more. I know this can be hard when ordering online, but it will require less work on your part in the long run (adding extra food, etc.).

Crabs can be excellent scavengers, but figure out what you want before your get them. Some species of crabs can be on the aggressive side, and may kill your snails, and other crabs before long.
Also, it is usually a good idea to get some extra shells for your crabs before adding the nassarius snails, or you may notice a steady decline in the number of snails you have in the tank over time.

As for your original question, just add 1 at a time. This will give your system time to catch up to the new load. If you “need” to add 2 at a time (pair or clowns, or certain aggressive fish), give yourself more time before adding the next fish down the road.

Best of luck....