New to Forum CUC Questions

[Bubba12]

Hi all new to the forum. I am converting my 90 gallon Discus tank into a mixed reef. I have all my equipment, sand, and LR ordered and should be setting it up this weekend to begin my cycle.
In the meantime I am researching and planning non-stop. I have read a lot of conflicting information on CUC's. Some suggest that I will need 100+ hermits, and 100+ snails, while others suggest no crabs of any kind, or much lighter stocking of both.
Could you guys provide a nice suggestion list for me to get started after my cycle is complete? I am a big fan of hermits and can't imagine not having them. Also I would like snails that can right themselves and remain small. I am a big fan of emerald crabs and many types of shrimp. Thanks in advance for all the help.

 

[Naiad]

You will want banded trochus snails! Wonderful little guys that can flip themselves up. The thing with crabs and shrimps as part of the cuc is that if you don't provide enough for them to "Clean up" they will find their own source of food. That being said the amount you need depends a lot on how much you plan on feeding which in turn depends on your livestock plan.

 

[Bubba12]

I see, so these large CUC packages online are not a really the way the go then. Could you suggest something to start with that I can build on later as the tank matures and needs are identified.

 

[Naiad]

What are you planning on having fish and coral wise?

 

[cloak]

For a 9o gallon tank, I would probably add 8-10 Banded Trochus snails and maybe 3-5 Scarlet Hermit crabs right off the bat. Hopefully if things go right you won't have to add anymore janitors down the road. Don't forget, your the best CUC member that tank will ever see. Good husbandry & a little elbow grease can go a long way sometimes.
I can't put it as eloquently as another member did one time, but everybody wants a pet these days but nobody wants to clean up after them it seems. GL.

 

[chaoha]

I would look at reef cleaners .com they are a sponsor here and John is great to work with. The website has a chart that you can use to get your cuc or build your own

 

[Naiad]

I see, so these large CUC packages online are not a really the way the go then. Could you suggest something to start with that I can build on later as the tank matures and needs are identified.

They can work but you have to remember that a freshly cycled tank hopefully won't have all that much for a CUC to munch on nor a large bioload to clean up after. You will need to provide food for these creatures. That is why it is generally easier to start smaller and add more as you need. My 220 started with 20 snails and 20 hermits. I will of course add more. When I start feeding the tank.

 

[Bubba12]

I am planning a mixed reef, but I haven't selected any specific corals yet. For fish, I have a wish list, but still researching and haven't quite narrowed it down yet. I have a post in the "new to saltwater" forum about stocking but haven't had any responses.
Cloak, no problem here keeping up on tank maintenance, I am used to daily water changes on Discus tanks. I understand this tank will be much different though.
I guess I assumed a clean up crew was meant to prevent outbreaks not deal with them after they occur. For instance, have Emerald Crabs in place to eat bubble algae before it becomes a problem.
I figure I have three to six weeks of cycling before I add anything but it is comforting for me to have a solid plan down on paper to prevent any impulse buys.

 

[Naiad]

I love having crabs and starfish as part of my cuc but I do have to actually feed them once and a while on top of their scavaging.

 

[Bubba12]

When you say feed them what do you mean. Are you target feeding? I figure they ate what ever the fish didn't. Are you just making sure you see them eat or that plenty of food gets to the substrate.

 

[Naiad]

I target feed any large emeralds and stars a chunk of meat once a month or so. It got to the point that they would tell me when they were hungry by coming to the front of the tank and waving their arms/claws.

 

[Spit.fire]

What I found works best for me as a cuc
Inverts:
6 serpent stars
15 banded trochus snails
1 abalone
1 conch
2 rock boaring urchins
1 strawberry top snail