Heights BC29 -> need advice on CUC and stocking (1 Viewer)

[LogansRunRx]

hey all...
new BC29 is now 4 weeks old and fully cycled.
amonia/nitrates/nitrates = 0
Ca = 460, dKH = 10, pH = 7.3
temp = 78 - 80
SG = 1.025
10 hr light cycle (10 actinics/6 with 10k)
30 lbs LS / 35 lbs LR

don't have a lot of algae right now (but do have hydroids), but...
CUC so far:
5 - star astrea
2 - turbans (tectus sp. i think)
1 - banded trochus (found him at T&T... i love that place)
2 - margarita snails
1 - blue hermit (hitcher)
2 - red reef hermits
1 - stomatella (hitcher)
2 - nassarius
1 small conch
couple of small bristle worms (hitchers)
would like to have 1 (or 2) of those nano red serpent stars from Sea Life, Inc... but don't want to pay $35 to ship a $5 invert
anbody seen them local???

over the next few months am planning on:
1 - starry night blenny
2 - true perc clowns
3 - banggai cardinals (or a single cherub angel)
(as best i can figure, in that order... )
it's a bit over stocked -> but planning on adding a Sapphire skimmer when the fish go in

any comments/advice on CUC or stocking or stocking order?
have thought this through and read a bunch. just don't have the experience to back it up. that's where i have to rely on you guys :?

cheers...

 

[LogansRunRx]

oops...
pH = 8.3
sorry

 

[Guest]

I would remove the margaritas, hermits, and conchs. Theres a small debate as to how long margaritas can survive in 78F+ water, a lot of people regret putting hermit crabs in their tank (not all), and a conch would probably need a bigger tank.

Otherwise it's just fine. Just my opinion though.

 

[LogansRunRx]

I would remove the margaritas, hermits, and conchs. Theres a small debate as to how long margaritas can survive in 78F+ water, a lot of people regret putting hermit crabs in their tank (not all), and a conch would probably need a bigger tank.

Otherwise it's just fine. Just my opinion though.

i've read that about the margaritas.
why regrets on the hermits? what problems do they cause?
any suggestions for substitutes
thanks for the info, TheH

 

[Guest]

Some people say that hermits attack their snails. It has been suggested that they only do this when they need a new (larger) shell or when there is nothing for them to eat. Other people say that all crabs will eventually attack snails.

Myself, I don't use them.

One other thing I would recommend is 2 or 3 more nassarius if you have a lot of viewable sand-bed. Just make sure they are Nassarius vibex (i.e. avoid "Super" Tongan Nassarius)

 

[Guest]

Some people say that hermits attack their snails. It has been suggested that they only do this when they need a new (larger) shell or when there is nothing for them to eat. Other people say that all crabs will eventually attack snails.

Myself, I don't use them.

One other thing I would recommend is 2 or 3 more nassarius if you have a lot of viewable sand-bed. Just make sure they are Nassarius vibex (i.e. avoid "Super" Tongan Nassarius)

Well said, they are fun to watch though but ive seen one personally kill a snail for his shell. Or, just have an abundance of empty shells for them if you want hermits.

 

[LogansRunRx]

thanks for the info.
what's the best cleaner for the algae on the glass itself???
(yes, i have a mag-float... before anyone has the opportunity to suggest that)

 

[thenewone]

get a cucumber thats always good cleans everything believe it i on have a cleaner shrimp in my nano and it work ok but im goint to get a cucumber like i have in my 90 about the crab its true but u can eliminate that problem by having some shells laying around there

 

[tdmiata]

thanks for the info.
what's the best cleaner for the algae on the glass itself???
(yes, i have a mag-float... before anyone has the opportunity to suggest that)

sharp razor blade will do the trick...

 

[CBBSteve]

Hi, LogansRunRx.
Hermits are reef terrorists. Since they are omnivores, they will eat anything and everything they can get their claws on. If you are interested in any kind of pod population, forget about it, hermits will decimate your pods, any micro stars, speghetti worms, etc.

The red legs are a little less aggressive than the blue legs. If it were me, I'd get rid of the blue leg right away, you might be ok keeping the red legs if you want.

IMO, ceriths are the best snails for algae control.

good luck,
Steve

 

[LogansRunRx]

anybody know where i can get more banded trochus snails local???
(don't want to pay shipping from Dr. F&S)
had the CUC in for about a week and have been MOST impressed with that guy. he's a machine and remarkably quick for a snail (gets around much better than the star astrea).... they just kinda hang out.

thanks for the info thus far.

 

[cgftcb]

ive got a ton more than u in that same tank with a prizm. you could add alot more no problem.