My Nano Diary......for A Real Beginner!

[steelhealr]

That's easy...NONE. You're tank has just completed cycling and is entering it's maturation phase. This is the most unstable time and you should allow your tank time to settle. You didn't mention what your nitrates are?

If you are going to add fish, I'd go this route first BEFORE adding corals. Why? Adding fish adds a bioload. Adding food adds a bioload. It's important for you to get a handle on how this is going to effect your tank and also to start getting a feel for good water husbandry, the vital tool necessary to master to support your corals.

GO SLOW. It's always painful to see the "Help, my corals are dying" thread when people toss their inverts in days after cycling. Remember the nano tank banner:

Beauty Comes Slowly, Disaster Comes Quickly. SH

 

[ice maiden]

oooerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr...you guys are brilliant...........

I think the Nitrate level is 5, but will check when I get home......

so how long till I should think about the fish then I dont want to rush things......... which is why I am asking for your advice.......

 

[steelhealr]

Anything below 10, IMO, is safe. If your ammonia and nitrite are remaining at zero and your crew is doing the job and look healthy, I say you could go for your first fish. Congrats. SH

 

[ice maiden]

wahooooo getting there then, I will check the levels again a couple of times before sunday when I will go to the lfs......

next question......should I just add 1 fish at a time....I am aware that I can only have a maximum of 3, but should this be done over time as well?

 

[steelhealr]

The most passive fish should go in first and most aggressive last. You don't have to add them all at once. Now is the time to think about what fish you want to have and what order to put them in:
-are they reefsafe?
-will they stay small? (nano fish)
-are they hardy? easy or for experts only?
-omnivore? carnivore?
-will they eat my snails or shrimp?
-aggressive or peaceful?
-active? passive? shy? nocturnal?

Hit the books my friend. SH