Hi, I am new

Welcome to 3 reef. I think you will find saltwater is super enjoyable with so many choices! Looks like you are off to a good start. I agree with what others have said, waiting 4 months is probably not needed. However, it is good that you obviously have patience which is a critical key to success in this hobby!

 

4 months????? wowzers. More power to you buddy. I know I couldn't do it. By the way, welcome to 3reef.

 

Welcome to 3reef.

 

That's true, 4 months are such a long time. But wait, I have a reason for that. Maybe it's more a convenience rather than a reason. I am going overseas during March and April, That's 2 months. Even with some helpers, I can't afford to lose 1 or 2 fish or even a coral during my absent. The best thing to do is keeping the tank fishless and coreless. However it doesn't mean my cycle will not complete during these 4 months. At some point I am going to add something. I have read invertebrate is good to keep without given food or pristine water condition as they can eat algae or detritus from the rocks. Is that true? What can I keep that need not to be fed? Can I keep snails, starfish and maybe 1 or 2 crabs?

 

I wouldn't put anything in there that doesn't need to be fed.

 

I would think a couple of algae eating snails would be fine, such as dwarf Florida ceriths and maybe a nerite or 2. Starfish need a well established (1 year +) tank and do not do well in our aquariums anyways. Stay away from any carnivores such as nassarius snails, or those that consume a lot of algae such as turbo snails.

Do you have an auto-top-off to deal with evaporation? Controller?