First inhabitants have arrived

Unknownpharoah1 · Feb 9, 2022

Well, my local fish mentor came out today to check levels, equipment and confirm we can start slowly introducing residents to the tank. I had some high hopes the first resident would be a glorious octopus or even better an awesome Peacock shrimp. My hopes were dashed and brought back to reality when it was suggested we throw in some "cleanup crew" to get some low budget activity going on in the tank to start off with. Probably a sound idea. We ended up with a dozen or so snails, hermits and a couple emerald crab. The crabs already found a place to hide so I couldn't get a photo but nonetheless the hermits don't move fast, and the snails are well.... snails.

In the end I'm happy to finally have something moving about to look at from my desk. We are also very grateful the fish mentor is willing to share his knowledge and teach me some basics while he's doing his work. Fantastic stuff.

Well, I'm off to get lost on the internet to find a Peacock Mantis to throw in here sometime in the next few weeks! If I can find a small one that is.

At that point the cleanup crew effectively becomes "free range" food! Double duty for sure.

Mikedawg · Feb 9, 2022

Unknownpharoah1 said:
Well, my local fish mentor came out today to check levels, equipment and confirm we can start slowly introducing residents to the tank. I had some high hopes the first resident would be a glorious octopus or even better an awesome Peacock shrimp. My hopes were dashed and brought back to reality when it was suggested we throw in some "cleanup crew" to get some low budget activity going on in the tank to start off with. Probably a sound idea. We ended up with a dozen or so snails, hermits and a couple emerald crab. The crabs already found a place to hide so I couldn't get a photo but nonetheless the hermits don't move fast, and the snails are well.... snails.

In the end I'm happy to finally have something moving about to look at from my desk. We are also very grateful the fish mentor is willing to share his knowledge and teach me some basics while he's doing his work. Fantastic stuff.

Well, I'm off to get lost on the internet to find a Peacock Mantis to throw in here sometime in the next few weeks! If I can find a small one that is.

At that point the cleanup crew effectively becomes "free range" food! Double duty for sure.

Mikedawg · Feb 9, 2022

Be sure to feed your cuc or you won't need a mantis to kill them off

Unknownpharoah1 · Feb 9, 2022

Pellets? The fish mentor was thinking there is enough "stuff" in the rocks to sustain them for now. I'm down to order some food, recommendations? Thanks for the tip.

Mikedawg · Feb 9, 2022

Unknownpharoah1 said:
Pellets? The fish mentor was thinking there is enough "stuff" in the rocks to sustain them for now. I'm down to order some food, recommendations? Thanks for the tip.

I didn't see much algae for your cuc but maybe I missed it. If you research their husbandry you may want to consider offering some Nori, pellets, frozen food until your tank is mature. How big is it and how long has it been set up. IME, most cuc members starve to death unless you're careful to feed them as well. Good luck.