CUC - how many do you need?

[cvsailer]

I have a 92 gallon FOWLR that has been setup for over a year. About six months ago I added around 8 snails which I see infrequently. I know that is not nearly sufficient for my size tank. What do you recommend as a far as a CUC for my tank? Thanks!

[Shane C.]

How do you know that your cuc isn't nearly sufficient? Are there specific indicators?

[Kona26]

I have been told 1 cuc for every gallon. I have about 60-70 snail / hermits and seems to be enough in my tank...I am not the authority here but I will assume you will get a lot of diff answers.

[Kyle918]

Well, your needs depends on your tank. Do you have algae issues? If so you may need to look into the source of your algae problems before getting more snails. I currently have 6 snails and two small hermits in my 75 gallon. Since adding them, the algae has been recideding at a very noticeable rate each day. So for me, that is sufficient at the current time.

Also, I personally think one snail per gallon is excessive. I don't have that much algae to warrant 75 snails. But again, that's my individual tank needs.

[Shivsreef]

There is no limit to clean up crew as they take more than they give in other words they eat more than their waste but as a 92g tank I would say

6 shrimps
20-30 snails
20-30 crabs
About 5 starfish
And 2-3 sea urchins as long as your tank isn't acrylic otherwise it would scratch

[Kona26]

Originally Posted by Kyle918

Well, your needs depends on your tank. Do you have algae issues? If so you may need to look into the source of your algae problems before getting more snails. I currently have 6 snails and two small hermits in my 75 gallon. Since adding them, the algae has been recideding at a very noticeable rate each day. So for me, that is sufficient at the current time.

Also, I personally think one snail per gallon is excessive. I don't have that much algae to warrant 75 snails. But again, that's my individual tank needs.

I agree. I don't think that having a that much cuc is needed...just depends on your tank and what is in it.

[cvsailer]

I should have mentioned I have the following fish in my 92 gallon FOWLR:

2 occelaris clowns
1 blue/green chromis
1 convict blenny
1 blue spotted puffer
1 foxface
1 kaudern cardinal
1 royal gamma
1 vrolik wrasse
1 coral beauty

Does this change the recommendation?

[OrionN]

A lot of CUC, they just starve to death. Add small number and if problem then add more. i usually start with less than1/4 the number recommended by seller.

[Sk8r]

The main function of a CUC is actually to eat algae and poo into the sandbed to help it strengthen, in advance of any fish being in there. About 4 weeks of CUC only will do nicely. If your tank is TOO clean, however you will lose snails. Certain types (astraea) fall over because they can't go on sand, and die; and certain ones should not be in our tanks because they're cold-water snails (margaritas)---about 5 or more nassarius are good: they spend their time under the sand, and help keep it clean. LIkewise 1 fighting conch per 50 gallons, but wait on those until the sand matures.