Tim/Val's RSM 250

[Reefmack]

Just my opinion but in a new tank there won't be much in the sandbed to keep a sand sifting from starving to death. I lost one quickly adding one soon after my tank was set up. Nassarius snails might be better for aerating the sandbed, but the hermits might dine on a few.

 

[tnwillia]

It looks great, Go with what you have on your Aquascape. Believe me, your going to change it around many times in the next 6 months. You'll get what you want down the road. Have fun!

 

[Dweezil]

IMO ~ Way too many hermits. I don't have any. I would get many more snails and alot less Hermits. As Terry pointed out Hermits will eat snails.
I would also wait on the startfish and the urchin.

If it were me, I would go with a combination of Cerith, Nassarius, Astraea and maybe Banded Trochus snails and have a few Hermits if you like them.
2 Emerald crabs will fine.

Like I said that's just my opinion and you can take it for what it's worth. ;-)

 

[tvreaves]

Thanks all for the support on the rockscape. I've already fiddled with it enough that it is no longer close to the photos I posted. I'll take a new photo after I get the CUC. We'll probably be getting them this weekend. I may wait on the sand sifting starfish.

 

[tvreaves]

Thanks Tammy. That was my original thinking, go heavier on the snails and lighter on the hermits.

 

[nanoreefing4fun]

Congrats I really like the rockscape !

just some thoughts... to consider... no "right & wrong" way to proceed here... just ... imo

(20) blue legged hermits ---- crabs eat snails
(1) small pin cushion urchin ---- think I let the tank mature a few months 1st
(2) red legged hermits ---- crabs eat snails
(1 or 2) emerald crabs ----- really like emerald crabs... mine well behaved & has not eaten any of my snails...
(1) sand sifting starfish ---- think I let the tank mature a few months 1st

(5) turbo snails - love snails...
(1 or 2) peppermint shrimp - like... love cleaner shrimp
(2) clowns - Love pair clownfish !!!

In a rsm 250 I would add an assortment of snails... start with maybe 40 or 50 - Ceriths, Nassarius, Margarita Turbos, Astrea & Banded Trochus, Mexican Turbos

Love snails for CUC & sw reef tanks

 

[Reefmack]

I agree with heavier on the snails and less (or no) hermits.

 

[tvreaves]

It's bedtime and the hubby and I will sleep soundly. We are both "currently" very happy with the rockscape. I'm researching snails...thinking about 10 asterea, 20 trochus, 12 cerith, and 30 nerite for now. Am I going to constantly be worried about "flipping" asterea or will I only rarely need to turn them back over? That is what is on my mind right now. Good night all!

 

[Reefmack]

I'm always flipping over snails LOL! Astreas, Trochus, and even Turbos at times.

 

[Nowellsy SNR]

WOW That rock looks great nice different sizes in there

 

[nanoreefing4fun]

Am I going to constantly be worried about "flipping" asterea or will I only rarely need to turn them back over

In one year... I have flipped over not more than five snails five times, they must right themselves, as I hardly ever do it for them... no crabs to get um, when they are upside down... might be helping. I think I have lost 3 or 4 snails in one year, not sure if that was related to me not helping them out or not.

 

[tvreaves]

I've searched the ID threads and have been unable to ID something I found today. It is hanging from the rock (in the center of the picture). I would describe it as a fuzzy white sack with a hole at the bottom. Can anyone ID this? I'll post it in the ID thread if not. I just like coming to this group first.

 

[nanoreefing4fun]

just guessing... hard 4 me 2 C

maybe a sponge... ?

 

[Reefmack]

yep - a sponge - Pineapple Sponge (Scypha) to be exact. I never saw one in my tank but have a bunch in my cabinet sump - filter feeders:

Melevsreef.com - Scypha Sponge

 

[nanoreefing4fun]

Bingo !

 

[tvreaves]

He does look quite similar (not exactly) to the scypha sponge and the article said the scypha is about the size of a grain of rice. My guy is quite a bit bigger than a grain of rice I would say. So, he may be a scypha or a close relative? Funny, I didn't know that a sponge could look like an insects egg sack. I thought it would look more like, say, a sponge. Thanks Glenn and Terry!

 

[nanoreefing4fun]

just read this Val...

I think... Terry's id is right on...

Extracted... "and big ones reach heights of an inch or so"

Identification and Husbandry of Aquarium Sponges by Ronald L. Shimek, Ph.D. - Reefkeeping.com

 

[tvreaves]

I read more closely...size of a grain of rice or larger. Terry, I'm going to say that you were "right on". Thanks!

 

[tvreaves]

LOL...Glenn...I read your last post after I posted mine. We both came up with the "right on". You didn't stick with "bingo"...

 

[Reefmack]

Mine are bigger than a grain of rice, maybe 1/2 inch long. I can't guarantee 100% that I'm correct, but I'm pretty sure LOL! Yes- weird looking sponges, and the pineapple name suits them pretty well, except yours is upside down. They seem to be pretty common, and always popping up in the ID forum.