Clean Up and Algae

So I was going to get a small clean up crew to start off my new tank. I am afraid that since I have no algae, if I introduce the CUC, they will quickly die off due to the lack of algae. What should I do?

 

If you have no algae, then why get a CuC? On another note, not all snails eat algae, some eat detritus. Have you checked out reefcleaners.org yet? They are one of the sponsors. They have a forum on here, and you can always send John Maloney a PM and ask his opinion. He will also send you suggestion sometimes with what you might actually need if you give him a full description of your tank setup.

 

Well I wanted a CUC since it is a small bio load on my tank. I dont wanna just throw my fish in there just yet without something else already starting my system.

 

OK, I see where you are going with this now. It's been a really long day, sorry about that. But, like I said before, I would just send a PM to John Maloney at reefcleaners.org and let him know what you have and what you plan on doing. He helped me out. Or just click this link to send him an email.

 

Okay thanks a lot!

 

are you cycling with live rock?

if you want algae, keep your light on or increase your photo period
also, you could raise your tank temperature to 84 or so.
both of this will promote algae growth

 

I am, but I'm basically cycled already.

 

dont think it would hurt to throw a small cuc in there and see how they do

 

if your tank is cycled there should be enough beneficial bacteria (or slime) for them to graze on, should be fine to add them

 

Don't get wrapped around the 'detrius'. CuC's dont exclusively eat fish poop. Get a CuC to get them started before livestock. Give them sone pellet or sinking fish food, and they will be just fine.