When can I add invertebrates

I have had my tank up for two weeks now and was interested in buying some peppermint shrimp but the guy at the LFS told me that I had to wait at least a month before I buy any invertebrates. Is this true.

75 gallon AGA reef ready tank

20 gallon sump

Coralife Protein Skimmer

60lbs of Live Rock

1 Clownfish

2 red legged hermit crabs

 

To 3Reef!!!


Salutations! Glad to see you found way here! 8) LFS right, best wait awhile (after ammonia spike and nitrates down)



The Tao of Marine Aquaria
Tips for Our Hobby and Life

© 1997 Adam H. Whitlock
Edited By Elizabeth M. Lukan 11/25/00




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Welcome to 3Reef!!!!!

 

Welcome to 3reef! Yep, wait until you get something for the shrimp to eat otherwise he'll starve. Two weeks is just not long enough, you haven't even completed the cycle yet.

 

welcome, they are right indeed. some cycles last up to 8 weeks, so be prepared to wait it out. after the 5 or 6th week, start doing water tests for amnonia, nitrites and nitrates. remember to go slow, dont be in a rush.

 

welcome and yes.that is even a little soon for inverts.you can add the clean up crew soon though.you know,snails,blue leg hermits.no stars or clams for a few more months.

 

Hello and welcome to 3reef!!!
Yes, your pet shop offered you the right advice!
Waiting til your tank cycles through completely is crucial to your success and that of your livestock...
Best of luck with your tank and enjoy 3reef as well!

 

Thanks for all your replies but this bring sup some other questions. How long on average does it take for a tank to cycle? Also is there any way to know for sure that a tank has completed its cycle?

 

When your ammoina, nitrates and nitrites are all at 0 and when your pH, calcium and alkalinity levels are regulated and staying steady. If your tank has been up for two weeks, wait another week then test for these things every three or four days until you notice a drop and they are bottomed out/correct. Are you using ro water, tap or bottle? Check your copper levels too, any copper will kill inverts(been there).....Adjust everything accordingly..