Supplier/CuC question

Brew12 · Aug 18, 2016

As I continue my research into my first tank to be set up at the end of the year I think I want to go with live rock and sand from Tampa Bay Saltwater. I don't feel the need to get all live rock and sand so was planning on buying some dry stuff and supplementing it with the good live stuff. They have "The Package" deals based on the size of the tank. I am going to set up a 75gal but was thinking about getting the 40 gallon tank package.
The packages they sell come with 1 hermit crab per gallon. It seems like 40 hermit crabs in a 75 gallon tank is still way too many. Do aquarists really recommend that many crabs and would it be a mistake to go with fewer?
The second question. I love the idea of going with TBS because of the possibility of very interesting hitch hikers and the reputation of shipping healthy live rock. Part of me is terrified of going with TBS because of the possibility of very interesting hitch hikers. For my first aquarium, is going with TBS live rock a mistake?

saltyfilmfolks · Aug 18, 2016

Short answer yes.
Don't do it.

dragon99 · Aug 18, 2016

Don't buy a CUC package. They are always overstocked and will leave you with dead animals in the tank.
You are better off individually buying the snails and crabs YOU want in the tank. I'd suggest this:
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/choosing-cleanup-crew-critters.258695/

Live rock vs dead rock is mostly a personal choice. It seems like many people are going dry rock now to avoid the surprise hitchhikers and nuisance algae.

wranodj99 · Aug 18, 2016

TBS has great rock, however, they do come with hitchhikers. If you go slow with the build they can be caught and relocated.

Brew12 · Aug 18, 2016

dragon99 said:
Don't buy a CUC package. They are always overstocked and will leave you with dead animals in the tank.
You are better off individually buying the snails and crabs YOU want in the tank. I'd suggest this:
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/choosing-cleanup-crew-critters.258695/

Live rock vs dead rock is mostly a personal choice. It seems like many people are going dry rock now to avoid the surprise hitchhikers and nuisance algae.

Thanks. I read that post earlier and thought it was fantastic. The one thing it lacked, imo, is any reference to how many of each species would be recommended. I'm guessing that really varies too much tank to tank to be able to come up with a standard guide.

dragon99 · Aug 18, 2016

Start slow and add as you go. You can't say x snails/gal really because when a tank is new there's nothing for them to eat. That makes ordering them online more expensive because of the shipping charges.

RobBaglieri · Aug 18, 2016

I really hate the CUC crews these companies sell. Its very misleading and cruel to the livestock. Nobody needs that many crabs at once. Especially in a new tank. There will be nothing for them to eat and you will end up with a tan full of shells and ammonia and the spirits of dead inverts. Whatever you choose, buy them slowly and only what you need. How many in your CUC will depend on the type of tank, maturity of the tank, feeding habits ect. Dont sweat the CUC. I have a lot of hermits, snails, conchs and shrimp in my tanks because I like watching them. I supplement their diet with algae wafers to keep them healthy.

Brew12 · Aug 18, 2016

Thanks guys. Nice to know that my gut feel about putting 75 crabs and snails in a 75 gallon tank might not be such a good idea despite all the suppliers recommending it.

Fortunately, I have plenty of time to plan this out. Just want to make sure when I start my tank I do it right the first time.

Still unsure about the live or dry rock part. I see so many pro's and con's. Like I said, plenty of time before I have to make that decision.

G8trBait16 · Aug 18, 2016

I go through John at Reef Cleaners. I tell him what size tank you have what sort of algae, give him as many details as your can and he will customize one to your tank. I have only gone to him for a CUC. Never has disappointed me and several of my friends I have sent to him.