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07/07/2008, 05:18 PM | #1 |
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CUC overload
I see all of these websites offering "calculators" and estimates on CUC's. Does anyone actually go by them and have the majority of the CUC survive? After so many of these and those per gallon, you end up with 2-3 or more animals per gallon of water. I suspect it is more of a ploy on the sellers part to sell livestock and make money. I am of the opinion that less numbers, more diversity is healthier and more sustainable long term. But, this being a forum of experienced reefers, i wanted your opinions and experiences.
Last edited by crsswift70; 07/07/2008 at 05:26 PM. |
07/07/2008, 06:04 PM | #2 |
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Dude, I haven't a clue what you are talking about...
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Libertas, numquam ex more! Current Tank Info: 110g display, 30g sump, 20g refugium, 2x400w XM 20k halides, 4x96w pc, 1x 23w CF, 1 T5, 2x tunze 6025, 2x tunze 6045, 1x Genx pcx-40, Big fat Octopus Skimmer w/ Sicce pump and bubble plate, 2x PhosBan Reactor |
07/07/2008, 06:17 PM | #3 |
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I think the #s are an overestimate, but a diverse--several kinds of snails (I stay away from Nassarius,Bumble bee, carnivorous/omnivorous types) and a few crabs is wise.
It really depends on the tank. The TOTM a couple of months ago has no CUC (snails). In my 65g I have 10-15 turbos, 10-15 Trochus, ~20 nerite, many cerith, ~25 hermits. Numbers wax and wane over 6 months time--some reproduce--all become part of the food chain once they are in the tank. Buy a few at a time if you can.
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OK, but where does the meat go! ------------------------------------------------ 120g SPS, 125g mix, 56g FOWLR, 20g qt |
07/07/2008, 06:18 PM | #4 |
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yes i know what you mean, i ended up w/ many more snails than a 24G can possibly need.
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07/07/2008, 06:34 PM | #5 |
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So what does CUC stand for? Nassarius are bad in a reef?
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Libertas, numquam ex more! Current Tank Info: 110g display, 30g sump, 20g refugium, 2x400w XM 20k halides, 4x96w pc, 1x 23w CF, 1 T5, 2x tunze 6025, 2x tunze 6045, 1x Genx pcx-40, Big fat Octopus Skimmer w/ Sicce pump and bubble plate, 2x PhosBan Reactor |
07/07/2008, 07:07 PM | #6 |
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It is Clean-Up Crew, CUC.
The Nassarius' that I have had die w/ in 6 months--I've had the small ones, the "real" Tonga large ones, and probably the "fake" temperal zone kinds. i believe that they starve. There is a good article in Reef Keeping magazine about them-- ~2 months ago.
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OK, but where does the meat go! ------------------------------------------------ 120g SPS, 125g mix, 56g FOWLR, 20g qt |
07/07/2008, 07:12 PM | #7 |
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Sorry aslavatortin I didn't know the acronym til awhile ago either. I'm glad you shared your numbers wrott. I guess that's kind of what i'm looking for. What people actually have in their tanks that survive fairly well over time. I know every tank is different, but unless you have TONS of algae and detritus, i just can't see having the "recommended" amount. As far as nassarius, i have had the same experience. Do you think it's cheaper long term to get a few conchs as opposed to a handful of nassarius?
Last edited by crsswift70; 07/07/2008 at 07:22 PM. |
07/07/2008, 07:20 PM | #8 |
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I've wondered how a conch would do in my tank, but I have no experience.
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OK, but where does the meat go! ------------------------------------------------ 120g SPS, 125g mix, 56g FOWLR, 20g qt |
07/07/2008, 07:48 PM | #9 |
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There are a bazillion species of nassarius if I recall correctly; I got 20 in May of last year from LA and those things have multiplied like you wouldn't believe! I gave away all but 5 or 6 of them that went into my 110 when I got rid of my big tank in December. I still have AT LEAST that many in the 110 now.
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Libertas, numquam ex more! Current Tank Info: 110g display, 30g sump, 20g refugium, 2x400w XM 20k halides, 4x96w pc, 1x 23w CF, 1 T5, 2x tunze 6025, 2x tunze 6045, 1x Genx pcx-40, Big fat Octopus Skimmer w/ Sicce pump and bubble plate, 2x PhosBan Reactor |
07/07/2008, 07:51 PM | #10 | |
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Quote:
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Libertas, numquam ex more! Current Tank Info: 110g display, 30g sump, 20g refugium, 2x400w XM 20k halides, 4x96w pc, 1x 23w CF, 1 T5, 2x tunze 6025, 2x tunze 6045, 1x Genx pcx-40, Big fat Octopus Skimmer w/ Sicce pump and bubble plate, 2x PhosBan Reactor |
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07/07/2008, 08:01 PM | #11 |
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That was my thinking, but all the estimates i see on websites seem to be overinflated. I just wanted to see if others felt the way i did.
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07/07/2008, 08:06 PM | #12 |
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I agree completely, there is NO way to make a blanket recommendation like that accurately. Obviously (based on the opposing nassarius experiences here alone), what works for Guy X may or may not turn out to be optimal for Guy Y so it would be silly to tell him that it would or would not.
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Libertas, numquam ex more! Current Tank Info: 110g display, 30g sump, 20g refugium, 2x400w XM 20k halides, 4x96w pc, 1x 23w CF, 1 T5, 2x tunze 6025, 2x tunze 6045, 1x Genx pcx-40, Big fat Octopus Skimmer w/ Sicce pump and bubble plate, 2x PhosBan Reactor |
07/07/2008, 08:41 PM | #13 |
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ya ive been told to start with a few an add more if i need them
if you put too many at once there might not be enough food and some will die |
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