[dphilbert]

Hi i'm new here, i've had one unsuccessful reef tank in the past, and now i'm trying again, but this time, i'm being patient. I've been cycling my 20 gallon tank with about 25 lbs of liverock and 20 lbs live sand for a month. The ammonia is zero, and nitrites are now under .25, but not quite absolute zero (the color that the tests indicates with tapwater). I would like to do two 5 gallon water changes over the next 2 days and then add 30 hermits and 16 snails, but am wondering if i should wait till the nitrites hit an undetectable amount before changing water. Also, I have 130 watts power compact light over the tank and am wondering if that can support a derasa clam with supplemental feeding. I've read mixed opinions on just about everything.

[dphilbert]

Heres a list of the goods:
20 gal. all glass
(up to) 65 gal. Coralife skimmer
up to 30 gal. powersweep
heater (dont know what kind)
25 lbs live rock
coral life 130 watt power compact (actinic/10000k)

and a pic:

[Ansphire]

I wouldn't add anything Untill your nitrite is zero, that would indicate your tank is cicled....

Once your nitrite is zero, you make a 25% water change and you are good to add 1-2 fish.