Acclimating Inverts

[mxmarks]

I just ordered my clean-up crew, to be delivered on Saturday. It was a clean up crew for a 75g tank, so it's a large amount of animals.

I've never acclimated inverts before, and am unsure what the 'drip method' is, but it's what was reccomended. Can I acclimate them all at once?

How is this done?

[demonsp]

Yes you can. But im curious on what is in this large amount?

[taillonjohn]

drip method is sllllooooooooowly dripping your tank water into the container or whatever your purchase is in, until parameters match your tank

[mwwhite]

To expand on that, use a small airline tube for a syphon. Tie a small, loose overhand knot in it - nearer the output, which you'll drain into a bucket with the new livestock. Start the syphon, then tighten the knot to restrict the flow - to a drip (maybe 3-4 drips/second). Let it double the water volume, drain half, and let it double again. Whole thing should be done in about an hour.

Before dripping, though, I'd recommend temperature acclimation. Let the bag float in the tank for about 15 minutes to allow it to adjust to your tank's temp.

HTH

[smspring]

here's a good article on acclimation:

http://www.liveaquaria.com/general/general.cfm?general_pagesid=19&ref=3319&subref=AI

[bertoni]

I also measure the SG in the container as the drip (or other water additions) are done. Since I use a conductivity meter, I can just stick it in the bag and watch the readout. That way I can see how far the drip has gone and how rapidly.

[mxmarks]

My CUC is a package from ReefScavengers.com, with some extras I picked out thrown in.

I actually havent hit the CHECK-OUT button yet, so if there's anything missing, (or that I dont need), please let me know!

It's a brand new 75g tank, with 80lbs of Live Rock.

25 Nassarius Snails
15 Nerite Snails
15 Cerith Snails
15 Dwarf White Leg Hermits
10 Blue Leg Hermits
2 Mexican Turbo Snails
1 Crown Conch
3 Emerald Crabs
1 Serpent Starfish

...And I kind of want to add some camel shrip!

[bertoni]

I wouldn't buy that package. It's too large, in my opinion, and the hermits are predatory. Emerald crabs can be a problem, too.

[jamest0o0]

Imo I like hermits a lot... just seem itneresting to me and I think i've only had 3 snail casualties because of them out of a ton... if you like hermits get a few if not don't waste your time/moeny with them.... just my opinion :) and ya I would jsut hand pick the CUC if i were you I have about 10 hermits, way too many snails im getting rid of some, and some different shrimps...

[demonsp]

This is a overload and many would just starve to death. Also your adding more then needed and only add to your load. I would start small like 5 nermits and 5 nass and a few margaritas. Then wait a week or two and add a fish or coral then wait and add a few more CUC and a fish or coral. Slow and steady all while checking water readings and doing water changes. Allows you to adjust CUC if needed and find problems faster.

You want to balance the CUC with stock.