Time to add a CUC?

the_chef_pierre · Jan 31, 2020

Hi everyone. This is my first saltwater tank, a Nuvo 30L and i've been cycling it for 3 weeks now. I used RODI water and aquavitro seed during the start of cycling. Been testing all my levels and it looks like it may actually be cycled already. Took water to my lfs and they say the same thing. Question is, I just notice all my live rock now has little tiny green strands starting to grow on them. Does this mean I've now entered into the 'ugly' phase and can now add my CUC?

Billldg · Jan 31, 2020

I could possibly be, though it usually take a few months after cycling to start the ugly stage. You should be able to start adding a CUC, just remember, algae is what they eat, so only add a few snails to start. Congrats on the new tank.

the_chef_pierre · Jan 31, 2020

Thanks. Yeah, i didnt expect it to cycle this fast, since I didnt see too much of an ammonia or nitrite spike, but saw a large nitrate spike. I have around 10 lbs of live rock in there and 20 lbs of old dry rock (that i believe that been live rock at some point in the past). Wondering if all that may have contributed to a speeded up cycling.

the_chef_pierre · Jan 31, 2020

Its kinda hard to see it but here's a pic. It's very small thin green strands

fishguy242 · Jan 31, 2020

i would think you could add a few snails

the_chef_pierre · Jan 31, 2020

Any specific types you could recommend at this point? Once fully stocked I plan on having mainly corals with 2 clowns, a watchman goby and a pistol shrimp. May a tuxedo urchin eventually too. Just trying to assemble cuc members that will get along and not be instantly wiped out once I add in the pistol

Billldg · Jan 31, 2020

I like trochus, cerith, and nassarius snails personally. They all have a purpose. I recommend 1 of each per 10 gals, though you could probably go as high as 3 per 10 gal, but you will see that eventually it will balance out as a result of the amount of algae available to eat.

the_chef_pierre · Jan 31, 2020

True, well the algae has only just started so maybe 1 or 2 of each of those if I can find them. So in your opinion the algae is normal and part of the cycling right?