Nitrate level for CuC?

[RRReef]

Since I'm still pretty new to the hobby I figured I would get some advice: is 20 ppm nitrates going to kill off a CuC in a week or two? Let me provide some background first.

My tank has been running for about 5-6 weeks now, and I'm starting to see what I believe are diatoms appearing on the top of my rock and on the glass of the tank. I've been maintaining right around 20 ppm nitrates (API test kit) but as soon as my BRS RODI system arrives I plan on doing large water changes to get that down to 5-10 ppm. My dilemma is that the RODI system doesn't arrive until 1/20, and I've seen the algae start to pop up quicker over the past few days. If I add a handful of snails this weekend, will they survive in 20 ppm nitrates for one-two weeks? My other option is to wait until I get the nitrates down, but I'm afraid the diatoms will have taken over a large portion of the tank by then.

What are your thoughts? #reefsquad

If I get the snails I was thinking trochus, turban, or cerith snails. Is there a certain type that manages diatoms better than the others?

 

[RRReef]

Here's what I believe is the diatoms

 

[BloopFish]

I've had shrimps, crabs, hermit crabs, and snails in tank waters much higher than 20ppm before. Nitrates aren't that toxic.

 

[BloopFish]

Just tested my waters to be able to reassure you more. My water just tested higher than 20 ppm through API test kit. I have many different snails like Astarea, Trochus, Cerith, and Cowrie. Note, I run an invert focused system with a variety of shrimps such as the bumblebee shrimp which is supposed to be sensitive to high nitrates.

To answer your other question I missed at first... Honestly most things will eat diatoms, and diatoms eventually fade when the system runs out of a source of silica. Tiger Trochus or pretty much most types Trochus snails are your best bet for being the ones to eat the most per snail. Astarea are definitely much cheaper though. I could buy like 5 Astareas for the price of 1 Trochus. If you are going to buy snails and a CUC, I highly recommend reefcleaners!

 

[OA3B]

I agree with bloopfish

 

[RRReef]

Just tested my waters to be able to reassure you more. My water just tested higher than 20 ppm through API test kit. I have many different snails like Astarea, Trochus, Cerith, and Cowrie. Note, I run an invert focused system with a variety of shrimps such as the bumblebee shrimp which is supposed to be sensitive to high nitrates.

To answer your other question I missed at first... Honestly most things will eat diatoms, and diatoms eventually fade when the system runs out of a source of silica. Tiger Trochus or pretty much most types Trochus snails are your best bet for being the ones to eat the most per snail. Astarea are definitely much cheaper though. I could buy like 5 Astareas for the price of 1 Trochus. If you are going to buy snails and a CUC, I highly recommend reefcleaners!

Thanks for the advice, I'll have to take a look! Have you had any issues with CuC dead on arrival when ordering from there?

 

[jeffchapok]

My nitrates have been 50 ppm for nearly a year now and my CUC is fine.

 

[Flippers4pups]

Agreed. Been running around 40-50 ppm N03 for years. CUC is fine.

 

[RRReef]

Agreed. Been running around 40-50 ppm N03 for years. CUC is fine.

Thanks!

 

[rkpetersen]

Just tested my waters to be able to reassure you more. My water just tested higher than 20 ppm through API test kit. I have many different snails like Astarea, Trochus, Cerith, and Cowrie. Note, I run an invert focused system with a variety of shrimps such as the bumblebee shrimp which is supposed to be sensitive to high nitrates.

To answer your other question I missed at first... Honestly most things will eat diatoms, and diatoms eventually fade when the system runs out of a source of silica. Tiger Trochus or pretty much most types Trochus snails are your best bet for being the ones to eat the most per snail. Astarea are definitely much cheaper though. I could buy like 5 Astareas for the price of 1 Trochus. If you are going to buy snails and a CUC, I highly recommend reefcleaners!

Astraeas are fine, but if they fall or get knocked off and land upside down, they can't right themselves and will die.
Trochus snails can right themselves.

I've bought lots from reef cleaners, never had any problem.
What they have available changes from week to week, and you can always email with specific questions.