Cuc

I am researching a good CUC for my new tank..
Hermits seem to be a typical part of a CUC.
To me they are more harm than good.. they knock corals over. etc..
What is their sole role in a CUC? Are they really needed?
Snails seem to be the main functioning part.

Correct me if I am wrong on any of this

 

I personaly believe that a good CUC insists of both hermit crabs and snails and I'll even throw in a sand shifting star fish for good measure. The hermit crabs plays many roles, one being that they are just like vultures. They "clean" up any dead animals that may die. They also keep your LR clean.


Luna

 

+1 with Luna. Hermits will literally eat just about any algae or waste, where as snails usually have a more specific diet. Also, IME, a snail is just as likely to knock over a small coral frag as a hermit is.
I also like a good amount of biodiversity in my tank. Look closely at the rocks, and find more than just snails Oh, there's a hermit there. Over there is a chiton. Oh, wait, there's an emerald crab. Oh, and is that a stomatella?

 

Hmm good point... will take this into mind when I get my CUC...
I definately want a nice one for the new tank

 

My hermits haven't knocked anything over... though they did start climbing on my gorgonian.

My nerite snails have knocked over a couple of frags... I since epoxied them down and it hasn't been a problem since. EDIT: I mean, I epoxied the frags, not the snails

http://www.reefcleaners.org



I think a good variety of species of snails is very important. You can't really put too many in... if you put in too few, you'll have cleaning issues (algae growth, etc.); if you put in too many, well, nature will balance that out for you

 

LOL... epoxied the snails.. nice..
So a good mix is good for a cuc... cool...
Thanks for the info...
does anyone have chitons? they are kinda freaky to me lol

 

I had 3. They lasted about 3 months or so. My tank was just to clean for them from all the other more 'normal' snails.

I had the fuzzy chiton variety. One of my fav's while I had them

http://www.3reef.com/forums/show-off-your-fish-tanks/peredhil-photos-55085.html

I have some pics of them here.

 

I have 3 as well. They are pretty cool, definitely a different creature. They do move VERY slowly. But what they do go over is cleaned absolutely spotless.