When should I buy a CUC?

[Chrisnugent942]

I have a 40g breeder that im about to put two clownfish into. This is my first tank so im curious when adding a CUC is right. I cycled with dry rock and dry sand

 

[AmaleeC]

I like to start with a CUC to ensure my tank is ready. A $1 snail beats two $20 clownfish!

But as long as your tank is ready, you can add them whenever. It’s good to add them when the “uglies” kick in, as certain CUC members will help with the different bacteria’s/algae that manifest in the tank.

 

[ReefLab]

When ammonia reads zero. Dont forget to feed your clean up crew! sinking algae pellets are great while your tank gets established.

 

[Tahoe61]

Hermits are fine. I would wait until you see green film algae set in before adding snails. You can try some sand sifting types like nassarius snails.