robbrouse
Reefing newb
So now it's time for the CUC. I have a 56 gallon column tank, so how many should I start off with. I have no idea. Thought I'd ask.
Robb
Robb
Tank has finished Cycling
- Thread starter robbrouse
- Start date
Smitty
Reef pro
Don't get too many at the start, because you don't really have anything in there for a large cuc to eat. A few reef hermit crabs, a turbo snail, about 2-3 nass snails, a peppermint shrimp, and a small brittle/serpent star fish should help get you started.
little_fish
Moderator
starfish are very fickle, but the brittle stars and serpent stars are pretty hardy and make a great member of your CUC. But dont get the green ones, they are predatory.
marcah
Reef enthusiast
diatoms will pass.. they are a normal part of the cycle and will go away..
little_fish
Moderator
no, the brittle stars will scavenge for uneaten food.
little_fish
Moderator
no, they dont shift, they stay mostly in the rocks
little_fish
Moderator
he might be ok with the tap water
robbrouse
Reefing newb
Question. Just wondering why CUC before adding fish? I have no algae in my tank, some in the sump (other than the cheato). Wondering what the CUC will survive on?
foxymoxy
Reefing newb
Congrats on your cycle being done, now you can finally start shopping for some fishes :mrgreen: (i personally recommand a dwarf lionfish just because they are all so cute!). Once you turn on your lights algae will build up quickly. I put in my two sea urchins in first (i also gave them algae sheets to snack on just in case) There is also nutrients on the live rocks (if you have live rocks).
little_fish
Moderator
A dwarf lionfish will eat any fish it can fit in its mouth and will greatly limit your stocking options, so be aware of that before you buy one
robbrouse
Reefing newb
No lion fish don't worry. Anyhow should I start with the CUC or fish or does it not matter?
little_fish
Moderator
I personally prefer to wait to get the CUC crew when the have something to clean
robbrouse
Reefing newb
Thanks LF. Another question if you don't mind. We are going to start with 2 Clown fish, I have read get them the same size and let them choose the pecking order and I've read get one slightly larger so the so the larger one will become the female. What are your thoughts. Also what other fish can be housed with clowns?
Robb
Robb
little_fish
Moderator
If they are tiny, just get them about the same size. They may bicker, but it shouldnt be too bad. But if you are worried about them fighting you can get them a different size. Personally, i would just work on picking the two healthiest fish with a smaller consideration for their size.
And there are lots of fish that can kept with clowns, especially if they are the percs or ocsillars (sp?, these are the two most commonly sold clown species). So its more what you like and what can live in your tank size that will determine tank mates. If you buy some of the more aggressive types like tomatoes, then you might be a bit more limited or you can just add them later.
And there are lots of fish that can kept with clowns, especially if they are the percs or ocsillars (sp?, these are the two most commonly sold clown species). So its more what you like and what can live in your tank size that will determine tank mates. If you buy some of the more aggressive types like tomatoes, then you might be a bit more limited or you can just add them later.
