New Tank, Next Steps

[MNFishGuy]

I just set up my first reef in years: 40 gallons, 4 HO T-5 fixture, 2 actinic (12 hours), 2 10K (8 hours). Remora pro skimmer, 1200 gph circulation, 4 inch argonite sand bed in tank, 40 lbs live rock have been in the tank since last Friday.

So, given water parameters are where they need to be and stable, what is my next step? What are some sensible organisms to start adding and when? I am assuming the tank needs some time to develop its ecosystem before a clean up crew, but when should I start adding sessile inverts? Planning on sessile inverts like zoanthids, mushrooms, xenia, leather coral, perhaps a maxima clam, also open to suggestions...

Should sessile inverts be added first? When can I add a couple of fish? What about snails?

Thanks!

[Parrothead]

By friday, do you mean 1/29/10????????????

[MNFishGuy]

Yes, the (cured) live rock was added the 29th

[Parrothead]

Yes, the (cured) live rock was added the 29th

Your tank is not ready for any life forms other than the sand and the rock, even using cured live you will still go through a cycle. Test you water again and post the results, you are going to have to wait at least 2 to 3 weeks for your tank to complete the basic cycle.

[Steve McKay]

You need to research what you are doing,a good place to start is by reading the sticky at the top of Reef Aquariums Forum entitled "Click here before you ask (Links to answers)".This will give you the general knowledge you need.

[metalhead]

Your tank is not ready for any life forms other than the sand and the rock, even using cured live you will still go through a cycle. Test you water again and post the results, you are going to have to wait at least 2 to 3 weeks for your tank to complete the basic cycle.

I'd recommend 6 weeks minimum :eek3:

[MNFishGuy]

Tanks doing great, I added one small 6 lined wrasse two weeks ago, Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate are all zero...

No plans to add anything else for a while due to excessive work commitments right now, but it's looking good. Hair algae has established itself to some extent, may be looking for a grazer next before anything sessile.

[julesjt]

Tanks doing great, I added one small 6 lined wrasse two weeks ago, Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate are all zero...

No plans to add anything else for a while due to excessive work commitments right now, but it's looking good. Hair algae has established itself to some extent, may be looking for a grazer next before anything sessile.

Like the folks that run the site say, show us some pictures.

[Parrothead]

Tanks doing great, I added one small 6 lined wrasse two weeks ago, Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate are all zero...

No plans to add anything else for a while due to excessive work commitments right now, but it's looking good. Hair algae has established itself to some extent, may be looking for a grazer next before anything sessile.

Why haven't you removed the hair algea, if you don't get it out and keep it out you are gonna be sorry