advice on cucumber

Hi all: I know I've read on here that cucumbers can be potentially disasterous for a tank. Is anyone keeping one and what are your thoughts on the potential for a crash? I'm most interested to hear from those reefers that keep them successfully and have had one for a while - what set up is recommended? how to keep them healthy? potential pitfalls that would indicate that it's not a good idea?

Thanks in advance for any and all input!

I saw the coolest bluish colored one today at the LFS and walked away because of potential for a crash but thought I'd double check with the experts to verify whether I made the right decision

 

I've had off spring from my original tiger tail cucumber for over 3 years now. I give them or trade them as I find the little 3 or 4 inch babies. They split off the mother I believe rather than sexually reproduce. I've never had a problem, other then them burying frags as they sift the sand and send it out their other end.

I think they do a great job to eat detritus etc.

 

I have a sand sifting cucumber as well. I have had a disaster but if your tank is made "cucumber proof" you should be fine. Keep powerheads up high, keep foam on the intakes, etc

 

What if your's does this LOL? Pray?

 

Please see quote regarding "foam over intakes"

 

I had a tiger tail for years with no issue, it also eventually died by climbing over the overflow. It was a nano tank and it's demise did not nuke my tank.

 

that long one would freak me out! ok, now I'm rethinking my decision, the one at the LFS had the most awesome colors.......hmmmmm.......

 

I've got a black one. My sand sifting gobie doesn't sift. My snails just sit under the sand. My serpeant star just sits under a rock waiting for me to feed it. The cucumber is the only thing that constantly works the sand that I bought for that purpose. I wouldn't want to go with out one now that I've seen how good of a job it does. I thought it was ugly and looked like a turd at first, but my wife said it looks like a big fuzzy caterpillar. Probably had it for about 8 months now.

 

I saw that... I was more kidding with my picture than anything else.

 

so basically, they are sand sifters? The LFS said they eat sponges, but they will eat detritrus as well? I know I have a few sponges but if they are basically scavengers then I could use one!