Beginner CUC for 120g

AbjectMaelstroM · Feb 8, 2020

I wanted to start to QT my CUC for my newly cycled 120g. I plan on running 76 day QT on all inverts and coral so I wanted to get the ball rolling before my tank looks like a rundown golf course.

I'm looking at Reef Cleaners and some of their packages suggested for a 120 seem a little overboard, especially for a 20g QT for 76 days.

What I'm looking for is a suggestion for an initial "starter" CUC that I could maintain in the 20g for QT period then add to the 120, then down the road supplement with more CUC as needed. I understand I'll have to feed them as there's little to nothing to eat.

I would like to choose and order from Reef Cleaners.

Retro Reefer · Feb 8, 2020

When I ordered my Reef cleaner package to start I went with half their recommendations. That’s a good starting point and you can adjust from there. Also remember your going to lose a certain amount of them.

Billldg · Feb 8, 2020

I always recommend 1 snail type per 10 gal. I started with 12 cerith, trochus, and nassarius snails each.

Forshurley · Feb 8, 2020

I think trochus snails are the best, if they flip over they can flip them self back over. I have same ones for years now and covered in coraline.

Phycodurus · Feb 18, 2020

ditto what Retro Reefer has stated. i personally feel that the online vendors’ quantity breaks are exaggerated for the target tank size.

+1 on the trochus snails, but nassarius & ceriths will occupy slightly different niches. i generally prefer snails over hermits.

you’ll have a light bioload at first, so i would even say that a bulk order isn’t necessary. pick up 3 trochus and 3 nassarius to start (even from a LFS). heck, they may even lay eggs for you! i would hold off on adding an urchin or a sea cucumber until the system is much more mature.

just a thought: if the temps in VA are at least above freezing this time of the year, you might wish to keep a small vat filled with saltwater outside in the sun with an assortment of artificial live rock for the purpose of growing algae (rotate them in & out of the QT). a small fountain pump will help circulate the water. maybe a glass cover to minimize evaporation.