Getting ready to add the first creatures..

[SEAG]

to my tank. I was going to start with a few snails and hermit crabs. How much of an effect do they have on waste, ammonia, etc? Is it okay to add two clown as well as my first fish? or just add the cleaners wait a week of so and then the fish?

Thanks,
Sean

[FishinInTheDark]

Personally, I would add just the cleanup crew first. (In fact, that's how I did it!) They will consume algae and dieoff and create ammonia and make a small impact on the biofilter. Those clowns will be happier in a week, and you'll have less worry. . .

[SEAG]

Okay, sounds good. I guess I acclimate the crabs and snails like I would a fish in the bag?

[upstoday]

Here is the method that I use, and I was directed to it by the people on the forum here. I do it with everything, snails, fish, anything I put into the tank.

http://www.saltwaterfish.com/site_11_03/acclimation.php?PHPSESSID=1ccc5b793ecf409f42c6cfd2 6de625db


It's best to do it in a seperate container and than net out or pick up the specimens so that you don't put any of the fish store water into your tank. Better to be safe than sorry.

[FishinInTheDark]

The method that ups uses is probably the best. I just float my bags for 1/2 hour to even out the temperature. Then I open the bag and add 1/2 cup of tank water every 5 to 10 minutes until the bag is full. Then I dump half of the bag into the toilet and refill it the same way. (Here's a helpful hint: it helps to have fresh saltwater ready if you're acclimating several bags, because you end up dumping enough water to lower the level.)

HTH