When to add Det. Kit & Cleanup Crew?

[Bear2327]

I'm setting up a 90 gal. reef and have a couple of questions re: detrivore kits and cleanup crew.

I don't have a refugium at this time but currently have 75lbs. LR (will be adding more from another tank when the 90 is ready) and a 4-5" DSB of SD sand. The tank has cycled (4 weeks) with ammonia at 0, Nitrites at 0 and Nitrates at about 5-10. I'm just starting to get small amounts of diatoms and green algae.

Would now be a good time to add a detrivore kit and cleanup crew? Is it better to start with either one first? I've been looking at the Det. kits at IPSF and Inland but am not sure what to get from IPSF, they have so much available. I was considering the Live Sand activator plus. Since Inland limits their Det. kit to only one ("enough to seed a 55gal.") with orders under $200 I would only get one kit. Would this be a good start between the two companies?

What would you recommend for a cleanup crew and where should I look to get it? BTW, no fish or inverts in tank yet.

Thanks,

-Lyle

[Strangelove]

Funny, I've got the same question,

I have a 90 with about 95# of rock that's almost cycled. When it is I plan to put down 4 inches of sand. Same question, in what order; sand activator, detrivore, cleanup crew?

(BTW, how much SD to get 4 inches in a 90, Lyle?)

[Reefland]

Bear2327,

As soon as the ammonia and nitrites have zeroed, it is safe to add the kits. I would add the detritivore kit prior to the clean-up crew, just to let things begin development.

Strangelove,

193lbs.

Regards,
Scott