QT & DT Cycle Compete - Now What

[Zbreefer]

My cycle has completed on both my DT and QT. I believe my next step is to order my CUC and QT that, but I'm not positive. Is CUC quarantine necessary, if so, how long? Any guidance on what I should have in my CUC?

Also, I have 180g DT with about 180lbs of dry rock and 5lbs of live rock, 180lbs of live sand, and a 75 g sump with (2/3 full) which includes a refugium with 5in DSB. Can I add chaeto now as well or do I need to wait for fish to provide nutrients for the chaeto to consume?

Thanks in advance, ZB

[SwampyBill]

When ammonia & nitrites have spiked then dipped to 0, & nitrates are holding steady at highest levels, your tank is cycled. Then do about a 25% water change & you're good to put CUC in...I've always just drip acclimated inverts & put them directly in DT. Some people use both hermits & snails, some do either or...I've mixed them before, but hermits will kill snails for their shells; so I've just been using snails alone for awhile now.

You might start w/ about 50 little cerith snails, 10 nassarius snails & maybe 10 turbos for starters. A few wks after adding CUC, do another water change & you're good to go w/ adding fish to the mix. In the meantime, read the sticky 'research your intended fish purchases' & drop Snorvich a line w/ your fish wish list. He'll give you great feedback on which are compatible & what order they should be added. He won't steer you wrong. Good luck & welcome to Reef Central!

[Zbreefer]

Thanks Swampybill. Any Thoughts out there on QT'ing CUC?

[Mysticalknight]

Most wouldn't qt a cuc if it's first addition as there is nothing in the tank to catch anything they may introduce. I may be wrong but that's my understanding

[SwampyBill]

I've never QTed the CUC, even when adding more later on; just drip/temp acclimated them & popped em right in the tank...rarely lost any.