/ Register

  1. Do you have an old account but can't access it?


    See Accessing your GIRS Account or Contact Us - We are here to help!

Snails and crabs oh my! Question on CUC.

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by Strong, Feb 24, 2010.

  1. Feb 24, 2010 #1
    Strong

    Strong

    280
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    All,
    I have my BC29 going strong (so I think...I am no expert), but have been lurking and reading a lot about invertibrates on nano-reef.com.  What I have no:  5 mini conchs, 6 or so (can't remember how many I ordered) blue legged hermit crabs, 10 nassarius snails, 2 astrea snails, and 2 peppermint shrimp.  For other poop contributors I have 2 baby Clowns, 2 Green Chromis, and 1 Yellow Coral Goby.  Looking at getting chaeto in this week into the sump area.  Also, I hooked up a protein skimmer 2 days ago and it seems to be doing very well at removing brown crap (in container) from my tank.
    1.  What's the difference or better between nassarius and cerith snails for cleaning debris and forth from the sand?  If I have nassarius snails, with serith snails be of any benefit? 
    2.  I have some mini conch snails from fwam that seem to be doing ok, but not eating a lot of algae from the glass.  What snail is best for eating algae off glass, those or Astrea snails?
    3.  I have some blue legged hermit crabs that seem to be always on the move.  Is it worth addind in some emerald crabs to eat some more algae (read if they don't have enough food they eat other stuff...worth supplementing some food pellets every now and then).  Worth addind in 1 emerald crab for added entertainment and cleaning?
    Thanks for the information ahead of time. 
    -Justin
     
  2. Feb 24, 2010 #2
    phishcrazee Riverside

    phishcrazee Experienced Reefkeeper

    1,682
    Riverside
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    There really isn't any snail that's going to clean your glass for you-that's your job /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/wink.gif They'll make cool little zig-zaggy patterns through the glass algae though, for what that's worth! I like snails for what they can eat off the rockwork (which I can't really clean) and I like snails that can churn up the sand a bit. Some will do a fair job of eating detritus too. The mini conches I gave you are good for eating algae off the rock (and glass, but they're not going to do the same job as a mag scraper). You totally slaughtered my name, btw, its Fawn, not fwam /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/smile.gif The nassarius are good for sand sifting and detritus and cerith's are more glass/rockwork. Both are nice in that they don't get too big.

    Crabs are opportunists. They are good at cleaning up excess food, but they will also snatch food away from an anemone if given the chance. Some hermit crabs will kill snails for their shells or just for the heck of it /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/smile.gif I've always found the blue legged ones to be mean little sh*its, but some say they're great.....I personally will not keep them as they always killed my snails, despite having plenty to eat and plenty of shells. I liked the scarlet hermits better, although they get bigger than the blue legs. They were more docile and I never saw them kill a snail. I have heard good and bad with emeralds. I think people tend to overdo clean-up crews in the beginning and what can't make it will die out in the next few months. Wait and see how the things you have get along and how well they eat the excess food and detritus before you go and buy more things. You shouldn't have to feed your clean-up crew (supplement food) too-they should be eating what the fish miss and the algae.
     
  3. Feb 25, 2010 #3
    Strong

    Strong

    280
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    Sorry fawn, didn't mean to slaughter the name...i just have issues typing. Those guys are always tooling around and I like them a lot so far. I have been cleaning the glass daily, just didn't know if I was missing out on some sort of magic glass cleaning animal :eek:

    Thanks for the info on crabs. Jay told me the same thing last night on our way out to Rich's. Sounds like great advice. Everything I got from you is looking great and I am going to move them off the bottom of the tank this weekend (had them adjusting and they look great there).

    -Justin
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Accept Learn More...