Live Rock/Base Rock Question

[SmallFry]

Apparently bumblebee snails are carnivorous and will go for other snails (found out after I bought two). Having said that I must have the laziest pair in the world - if they even move I mark it on the calendar...

I'm only FOWLR at the moment (will change when the bigger tank/better light/better skimmer come on line) so haven't had any real problems with the turbos. They do charge around the tank rather so I can see the potential for destruction though. Seriously, one minute you can't find one, the next there's one slap bang in the middle of the front glass - kinda freaks me out

I have a couple of small blue legged hermits too, which haven't been a problem, and are great entertainment - they're crazy and always up to something. I made sure they had plenty of spare shells so they can move house whenever they want. From what I hear, I get the impression that it's when they get hungry or can't find the right shell they start to cause problems..

[Eb0la11]

Ya I hear the same thing about hermits. I think I might just have to try a bit of a mix of snails and find out for myself. I mean, they are cheap, so worst case scenario, I buy one, dont like it and return it or give it to another reefer or something.

I'll prob go buy my CUC this weekend if my params are still 0-0-10 or so which should signify my cycle is done.

[PoonTang]

Originally Posted by Eb0la11

Ya I hear the same thing about hermits. I think I might just have to try a bit of a mix of snails and find out for myself. I mean, they are cheap, so worst case scenario, I buy one, dont like it and return it or give it to another reefer or something.

I'll prob go buy my CUC this weekend if my params are still 0-0-10 or so which should signify my cycle is done.

Actually a tank is never truly finished cycling. It is forever trying to balance itself according to the daily bioload placed upon it. Your cured rock may or may not give off ammonia at the start, it depends on how much dieoff there was during the transfer. The reason I suggested that you use a dead shrimp is that it will give off ammonia as it rots and thus will supply your tank with a SOURCE of ammonia. Your tank will respond by increasing the population of denitrifying bacteria. Once you have a large enough population of bacteria then you are ready to add your permanent source of ammonia....Fish. If you dont have enough ammonia at the start of your cycle then you wont have enough bacteria to keep the levels in check when you add your fish.