Not trying to be a jerk or discourage you but you might want to do a little more research on your livestock purchases. If anything, a good start is to ask on here and you'll also figure out who to take your advice from, theres alot of newbies that are giving bad advice. Which the bad advice is usually from inexperience and listening to unknowledgeable staff at large chain stores. Stay away from the places that sell puppies and kitties etc. IMO a sand sifting goby should'nt be added to a tank that is not at least a year or two old. It takes a long time for a tank to be established and theres just not enough in the substrate for a sifter to survive and they starve to death. That includes starfish.

Of course you shouldn't add even a cleanup crew until your cycle is done. I don't see an issue adding a sand-sifter shortly so long as it's confirmed to also be eating say a pellet or something too. Like any other fish it needs something to eat but if it's like my diamond watchman for example it will eat NLS pellets ALL DAY =)

How did you cycle the tank?

What did you use for an ammonia source?

Realistically if your levels are 'stable' even after 2 weeks, those critters should have lived. Your temp being at 35 more than likely what killed them. Sorry to hear.

When no critters in the tank (just rock and sand), bringing the salinity up quickly should not be an issue.

Also, im with Beverly on the detritus... mid-cycle or not, detritus will break down, will settle into the substrate(mainly) and rock pores, hard to reach areas, etc.. The cleaner you keep it, the less nutrient build-up. Less nutrient build-up = less problems = happy reefer.

Cheers,

Chris

I sure hope you did'nt pee in your tank like that other thread you have.:lol: