Am I done?

[polok121]

So here are my specs; ammonia 0, nitrite 0, nitrate 20mg. Its been 3 1/2 weeks and i have what looks like algae growing....Its brownish and its on the sand bed and some building on the glass. Algae right? that must mean my cycle is complete right? are my levels good? and as far as cleanup crew what should i get? I heard snails can get out, is that true? thanks for the advice

[OneDummHikk]

If you are seeing 20 ppm nitrate readings, then that part of the cycle is probably over. You still have a diatom bloom to go through. That may or may not be what you are seeing on the sand. If you try to wipe it off the glass, what happens? Typically, diatoms will simply blow away like dust. Once the diatoms go away on there own, then you are ready to start stocking the tank.

[jenglish]

A snail can get out technically. I have never seen one get out. For the most part our homes are not exactly hospitable to a sea snail and they don't really want to get out. SOme people will add their CUC while the diatom bloom is still going on. SOme hermits will eat diatoms. Maybe there are snails that do to but not that I know of. As far as what to get you will get a different answer from everyone. Most folks get snails and many of us get hermit crabs as well. SOme choose not to get crabs since they are opportunistic and will eat anything. I personally think they add a lot of personality to the tank. But they will not hesitate to eat a snail if they get hungry and catch one. Its ulitmately a matter of personal preference.