Sand dwellers for 125

[lcs]

I am cycling a 125 and trying to plan my CUC. I'd like a variety as well as species I haven't had before. I'm especially interested in more diversity in my sand bed. Let me know if this is doable:

1 fighting conch
1 sand sifting star
1-2 serpent stars
nassarius snails (#?)
strombus snails (#?)
and other usual assorted snails

 

[robotman]

i wouldnt get the sand sifting star without having a established tank, the conch you could get 3-4, the nassarius, you could get 20 or more, depending on size, id get around 80 snails assorted

 

[lcs]

Thanks for the heads up on the sand sifting star; I'll be sure to wait several months at least.

Thanks for the snail numbers as well. This is my first large tank and I really have no idea what I should be looking at as far the size of the CUC. I don't want to over do it and have them starve.

 

[Mael]

there are a cpl sites like reef cleaners where they have a grid you plug your tank size and other nuimbers into and it suggests a CUC array for you. Be aware most sites tends to overestimate which is why I am building up my CUC over time.

I like a variety of snails including the nassarius, certih, nerite astrea(sp?) and trochus....as much as I love how much algae my turbos eat(including hair algae) I am beyond tired of them knocking corals over or draging them around, definitely going in the fuge when I have it set up.

I also use an emerald, 2 peppermint and 6 janitor/feeder shrimp. According to some research janitor shrimp clean beter than snails, but fish also like to eat them.

 

[clay12340]

I personally like a bunch of the little tiny nassarius. Something about an army of snails rising from the deep always cracks me up.

 

[robotman]

i never see my shrimp cleaning anything, just taking extra food, i have them because they look cool XD, i have 2 cleaner 1 fire 1 peppermint, ill probably double that or triple when i get my larger tank.