Care
Mar 5, 2026
Can I add cleanup crew before fish in a new reef tank?
Quick Answer
Yes—after ammonia and nitrite are zero, a small cleanup crew can be added before fish to manage early algae and detritus.
Yes, in most cases you can add a small cleanup crew before fish once the cycle is complete (ammonia and nitrite at zero).
What to add first
Common mistake
Adding too many cleaners too early can starve them. Start small and increase only as algae and waste increase.
Track your cycle milestones in the ReefBay app, then stock livestock gradually from the marketplace.
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