tank finished with first cycle. Now what?

Ok, so after my 28g nano has cycled, and the nitrates, nitrites, amon. are at 0. The SG is good, the temp is great, and everything is coming together, now what? I have a CUC eating the diatoms's and frozen shrimp. I have some frags looking good. How long do I wait until I add a fish? Its been 3 1/2 weeks, and that's it. What am I waiting for now? Can I add a pair of small clown fish, when it's time?

 

That's exactly how I started: I bought two tiny perculas 5 years ago, three or four weeks after I had started. I thought it was the coolest thing, seeing them pair up, swimming around with their odd "gait", looking a suitable place to live in, and they haven't kicked the bucket yet. So, my vote is "go!"

 

Go for it, that would be the next step. Just remember to go slow. Don't add to much at once and remember that you might have a mini cycle as well, so test for ammonia in a few days. Have fun and enjoy!

 

if your cycle is complete than I feel you are ready for fish. Some pointers

- research what you want to stock beforehand, impulse buys in the SW hobby can be very bad (even though very hard to resist). Know fish compatibility and if they are reef safe, if you are going that route.

- don't overstock or stock too quickly, know your limits, SW is very different than FW stocking. 29g is fairly small so you most likely will get about 4-6 smaller fish in there.

- don't attempt a Mandarin or Anemone until your tank is mature, established, & stable (6months to a year)

- don't get a Tang unless you plan to upgrade as it grows, or just don't get one at all maybe since it'll be a pita when it's time to try and get it out

Those are just some pointers I felt might help, a pair of clowns would be fine to add IMO.

good luck!

 

Great advice, thanks!