Safe cucumbers?

[Trigeek]

I posted in the reef discusiion forum, then realized it may be more appropriate to post the question here.

Can anyone provide some info. on cucumbers to avoid? I know sea apples can be a problem by releasing their toxins, and that tigertail cukes are regarded as relatively safe. How about the black cucumbers? Are they known to cause problems when stressed or dying? I would like one to help with housekeeping in the tank, but I don't want to get anything destructive (obviously). Any guidance is appreciated.

 

[drummereef]

Tigertails and Black Turd cukes are the most common and used in home reef aquaria. Any cuke presents a problem when it dies. How much, hopefully you won't get that far. I would stay away from the colorful cukes especially sea apples, like you said. They do great work with the sandbed, but keep and eye out for them. They like to play with powerheads. That's how I lost mine. I woudn't keep one in a smaller sized tank - your 90 would be fine.

 

[boomsticks]

IMO No cucumber is "safe" And yes, stay as far away from those sea apples as possible. They are discusting when they "blow" man, what a mess and the smell!! I thought my cat died when I walked in the door, ain't nothing like a 55 reef with a dead sea apple!

 

[SuperNerd]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8209000#post8209000 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by drummereef
I woudn't keep one in a smaller sized tank - your 90 would be fine.

What wouldn't be acceptable?
How deep of a sandbed?
Grain size?