Way too many snails/hermits for CUC? (80 gallon)

[Deonne]

Hi all,

I was quoted this by a website as CUC for my 80 gallon (48x24x16) tank. It seems crazy high to me though, I would prefer to have a sustainable number not one that will die off after initial algae bloom. Also considering I will want to add ornamental shrimp like pistol/peppermint/banded. What has been your experience?

- 40 Dwarf Ceriths
- 19 Nassarius
- 25 Florida Ceriths
- 18 Assorted Hermits
- 20 Nerites
- 1 Emerald Crab

Thanks

 

[sfin52]

not all snails go after the same type of algea. Hermits get into tiny crevices and clean up the scraps. Usually you want to build up your cuc as your tank matures.

 

[cloak]

Assuming your using RO/DI water that's way too many CUC members IMO. For a tank that size 10-12 Trochus snails and maybe 3-5 Scarlet Hermit crabs should be plenty. Adding the shrimp is OK too, although I don't really consider them to be a CUC member. (more of a pet) Don't overstock, don't overfeed, use something like a Mag-Float to clean the glass, maybe stir up or vacuum your sand bed every now and then and you should be fine. It's amazing what a little elbow grease can accomplish these days. GL.

 

[Capitol Reef Corals]

For a mature 80 gallon I would go with something like: 10 Astrea, 8 Trochus, and 10 Scarlet Hermit Crabs. That's it! I wouldn't add a CUC for the first week or two, after that I would start at 25% and work my way up to 100% as needed.

 

[Deonne]

Thanks all, that sounds more reasonable. Trouchus seems to be the most popular here, not sure why it wasn't recommended by the site. For the snails I think I will do trochus (for rocks/wall) and nassarius (for the sand bed). I don't want to be flipping astrea all the time.

 

[norfolkgarden]

FWIW, in a 75 gallon tank we have 4 or 5 small 1" Turbo snails and 4 trochous and one money cowrie.
2 scarlets, maybe 3 dwarf zebras and 4 or 5 blue legs.

Haven't added anything in the past 5 years because I want to see how long they live.

Zero algae.

 

[lolgranny]

I’d skip the hermits completely and stick with snails, but yes that does seem like a lot. You can always add more. I don’t think I have that many in my 700g lol.

 

[Antics]

I agree about skipping hermits. In my experience crabs are totally more of a hassle than they're worth. Fighting and killing one another and then moving on to the snails whenever they get the chance. For a new tank I'd only add snails as needed and slowly.

 

[Deonne]

I hear you on the hermits, but I'm a big fan of inverts especially crabs and shrimp. so I want them in there regardless of CUC

 

[lolgranny]

I hear you on the hermits, but I'm a big fan of inverts especially crabs and shrimp. so I want them in there regardless of CUC

If you like them get them that’s what the hobby is about! Just know, they grow and will need bigger shells. So either RIP snails or pickup some empty shells for them.

 

[Deonne]

If you like them get them that’s what the hobby is about! Just know, they grow and will need bigger shells. So either RIP snails or pickup some empty shells for them.

thanks for the tip. the store I use sells empty shells for pretty cheap. will prob hide a stack in back of the tank