batting cleanup

[reefpaddler]

I believe I've decided on a cleanup crew of 1 scarlet hermit, 4 nas snails, 1 serpent star, and 1 cleaner shrimp. When is the best time to add these to my 12 gal. tank. It has been cycling for a week. Also should I start with fish or the cleanup? or corals?

[Sugar Magnolia]

You really shouldn't add any critters to the tank until it completes the cycle process which can take up to 6-8 weeks depending on whether the LR was cured or uncured. The only way to know if the tank is done cycling is to test your water paramaters. If you don't already have test kits, get yourself an ammonia, nitrite, nitratee and pH test kit as well as a hydrometer or refractometer.

Once the cycle is complete, most people start with the clean up crew to take care of all the dead junk from the cycle. Your clean up crew selection is fairly decent although, I'd add a couple more snails for diverstiy. Different snails do different jobs in the tank. Nass snails are great detrivores, but you'll need some herbivores to get at the algae...ceriths are a good choice as are margarita snails. I don't care for astreas because they tend to tip over and can't right themsleves. They do a decent job of algae munching, but it gets old having to save an upside-down astrea. Bump your nass snails up to about 8, add two ceriths and two margarita's and that ought to do it. I'd go with at least two or three hermits, but be sure to add extra empty shells for them to grow into or they may go after your snails. I'd skip the serpent star. They tend to get rather large. Go for a bundh of micro stars if you can get them. (IPSF.com sells them)

[reefpaddler]

Should I really need that much in a 12 gal tank?

[nbaker]

Scarlet hermits are a pretty good choice, and as for it being to much well it's not going to hurt. The more clean up the less worry in the long run. You have a better chance of survival against the algae blooms should it occur. I'd have 3 scarlets in there they are fairly small. But like SM said add some extra shells or they will kill a snail for the upgrade. I'd put about 8-12 nass snails in there, and a few bumble bees as well. Stay clear of the serpents because they will get bigger than you will want in that 12 most likely. The cleaner shrimp will do but they can make a nice meal of a fish if the wrong type is choosen and there's not enough in the tank to keep them feed. snails and hermits are a definant. but wait on your cycle first or you'll risk there life. as for the mini's (serpents) you might also check out "bluestar's" new store in the coral forum sponsors section she had some listed earlier today. I ordered my 12 nass snails from here and they're awesome! good luck.