Newbie cuc =)

I'll start off by saying i'm just happy to know what CUC stands for! and I hope its okay to post this hear and not in INVERTS.

I have a 55GAL with about 50-60lbs Live rock 50 LBSsand (2-3inches) powerhead, HOB filter, Skimmer (hang on) [ im going to go sumpless as far as i can ] and heater with the little shock protector thing of course so no current would enter the water if something should fail.

Tank has been up for 3 weeks and params are amazing ( finally ) so next week if water params stay as is i will be adding my CUC to begin my adventure.

Is this too much ?

As of now there isnt much built up of algae i didnt BOOST ammonia or anything to cycle my tank i did it the slow way.

I was thinking of simply adding
5 Nass snails
5 Cerith snails
2-3 Hermits (red legged)
1-2 Shrimp
1 star fish ( should this wait untill tank is more established ? )

(sorry for babbling) And thanks! just looking for some advice!

I'm only starting with 10 snails as i dont have much algae and i dont want anything to perish that doesnt have to!

 

you're fine. Thats a nice little start to get rolling, just watch your param's after ya put them in! Personally I'd just get a CUC from reef cleaners.com for a 30 gallon to start. Then when algae starts kicking in a month or so, order another 30 g kit from him.

And yes, wait on the starfish, and make sure whatever starfish ya get is reef safe/safe for what you're going to have!

 

Ill go look at that Reef Cleaners now! thanks! The star fish is hopefully one of the chocolate chip star fish as ive seen a few in my LFS 1200gal tank and they are beautiful!

 

I wouldn't get a chocolate chip star, they're predators, req, constant feeding and grow large and eat your other critters.

 

BTW, thats a really short cycle, I'd add some fish food and see if anything spikes before adding a CUC!

 

The tank never actually spiked but my live rock and (all water) came from an established tank from my LFS i had some nitrates but after the last WC they are now registering 0. I have also been adding the supplement smart start as directed when doing my WC's.

 

I agree that was a fast cycle, what did you use to cycle? I personally added fish b4 my clean up crew so they would have something to sift but thats just me. But, I think small is the way to go. I would also advise caution against the choc. chip star. What do you plan on putting in your tank? My reefcleaners order will be here wednesday also. I have yet to hear a complaint about them.

 

i dont have my fish wish list set up yet and am pretty easy going with that, its going to be a FOWLR tank for the first 4-6 months then i will see about adding some soft coral after that.

 

ok that makes sense, but if ya used cured LR, ya prob have enough stuff for a modest sized CUC to eat.

 

Ok good, ( im just afraid of putting to much ) how demoralizing would that be if the first thing i put in my First salt tank died and could have been prevented!

Also Thanks for the advice on the choc chip star! I had no Idea!!!

So the 10 snails and a couple hermits and shrimp seem like a good starter CUC ?

P.S. Thanks for not hating on the no sump thing too! i have no problem with my filters being and heaters being shown and im making my own top this upcomming weekend to allow room for what i have currently that will not block any light or mess with oxygen transfers!