Nano Tank question...

[fliberdygibits]

I have recently gotten a nano tank set up as a low cost learning experience as opposed to the HIGH cost version that I have at home (this one is on my desk at work). I am using the fishless method of just adding amonia chloride and seeding with live sand. While the tank is cycling, are there ANY sort of snail/crab/other-cleanup-crew I can add that won't be bothered by the high amonia/nitrite so that the algae stays somewhat in check?

Thanks

[Megan]

The algae does get pretty bad doesn't it As far as I know you can't put anything in. There is a possibility that snails or hermits might survive, but IMO is is cruel.

Megan

[fliberdygibits]

This tank is set up at my work, so I would rather the algae didn't get too bad (probably just tough luck) but I definately don't want to hurt any of my critters. I just didn't know if there was anything that didn't mind higher levels.

Thanks.

[hamburglar]

I seem to be missing you point.

Let me get this right. You have a nano tank, and you are adding amonia chloride to the water. Now you want to try to keep living creatures in it?

How about emptying that tank and cleaning it out really good. Then add salt water, sand, a little rock, and a couple crabs and snails.

You shouldn't need to add the poison to the tank. The snails and crabs should keep it clean.

[fliberdygibits]

This is a brand new tank that has JUST started cycling. Instead of cycling it by torturing damsels for several weeks (or months) I just set it up, filled with water and added amonium chloride (food for the bacteria).

This is a perfectly acceptable way of cycling a tank.

Now it is STILL going to grow algae so WHILE it was cycling, I wondered if there were ANY KIND of cleanup creatures that high amonia/nitrite DIDN'T harm to keep the algae bloom down a bit so that it didn't look so ugly in my office environment.

I don't intend to add any live stock that would be harmed by the cycling process, I just didn't know if there were ANY creatures that WOULDN'T be hurt by it.

[hamburglar]

Ok that sounds a little better, although I used different method.

I have a 5 gallon reef and just let it sit with the lights out for a month. I then added 2 red scarlet hermits and 2 astrea snails. I want to add a fish, but I havn't found one tiny enough yet

Sorry I seemed to jump in your mess like that. I have never used those cycle products and the word amonia threw me for a loop.

To try to answer your question, I think most crabs can stand the poor water quality, but probably not snails.

[fliberdygibits]

No worries, and thanks Yeah, I think I did just say amonia. This actually isn't a "cycle product", well, in a way I guess it is. It is just concentrated homemade stuff distributed by an LFS I frequent. I have cycled 3 tanks (4th one starting now) with this method and have yet to traumatize a single critter...... well, except when my cats look through the tank wall at them Must be like having dragons circle your house looking in the windows.....

Anyway, if I should EVER be able to divert some aquarium funds to a digital camera, I will have some shots for you all.