[barett]

Well I did it, finally. I started my 20 gallon tank. I have in there 11 pounds of base rock, 20 pounds of LS and water. I have the temp at 78degrees, the pH is at 8.2 and the ammonia is at about 1.0. Its been running for 3 days. Ill be adding live rock this coming up week. How early can I add the cleaning crew?? Which will consist of hermit crabs and snails.

[ncdiablo]

It will take several weeks before you can add your crew. Your ammonia will spike then driving up your nitrates and nitrites eventually you should see a diotomatious bloom and then after that an algea bloom and then after that your coralline algea will start to come back. It's right around then you should be able to add your cleaning crew. Main things are your ammonia will need to read 0.0 and I may have mixed up nitrates and nitrites but the second worst one (thinking nitrates) should read 0.0 as well. Sorry long day and pretty tired right now.