hello, n00b question.

i currently have a CUC consisting of 1 astrea snail and 3 hermits in my 8g BC. i don't have an algae problem per se but i'd like some of it to be eaten by something. what's a good addition to my CUC that could help take care of it? i do have zoas and a hammer so reef friendly of course. thanks!

Let me get this out of the way up front : Hermits suck.

Head over to reefcleaners.org pick up some ceriths. Maybe a chiton (I love the chiton).

He has excellent write up's for every item so go and read through and sort out what would work out best for you.


Edit: Astrea's cannot right themselves if they tip over. If your astrea tips over and you don't notice in time it has a good chance of becoming hermit chow. Also, buy a butt load of empty shells of varying shape and size to lessen the chance of them killing the astre for a new home. They probably will kill it anyway, but can't hurt to try. (*^*&%$^ hermits

I've never had a problem with Scarlet Hermits, I've had several of them in all 4 of my tanks, never saw them Kill a single snail (nor did I ever have more than 2-3 snails die randomly *cough* orange turbos *cough*).

I have liked most of my Ceriths, but this recent one I've gotten has not been great...

Turbos are good cleaners, but they do get large and bulldoze stuff...

I have always like Margaritas, haven't had too many issues with them.

Nerites were interesting, but they constantly left the tank, making trips either into the back sump area or onto the cabinet the tank was sitting on.

Right now I have a Top Crown that looks pretty cool and seems to be doing a heck of a job.

IMO hermits are more trouble than helpful. they usually hunt down your snails and eat them to get bigger shells ( even if you have bigger shells placed in the tank)
and all snail CUC has been working for me in my 75g for about 9 months now. no algae problems at all and my cerith and nerite snails take care of the glass while my nassarius snails take care of the uneaten food. also snails are less likely to bulldose corals like many hermits do.

I guess it depends on the algae type, but my turbo snail has always taken care of the GHA for me. I've heard mixed reports from others though, so make of it what you will.