Need Help - DSB safe "janitors" ....

[hfmann]

I've got the 125g reef LR reconstructed now (I'll post pix this weekend) and a 4" DSB settling down. New to the DSB strategy, I'm looking for help on exactly what creatures are desirable and/or safe for the substrate. I've read everything I can get my hands on, namely Shimek and a lot of the threads here, but confused by the variety of opinions. Really would like any additional recommendations / experiences you can offer.

This is going to be a heavy SPS, LPS tank with a medium fish bioload with small (10 gallon) refugium.

Thanks all,
Hal
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Mercedes Benz Fintail

 

[dgin]

For the DSB, I would recommend Nassarius and Cerith Snails (maybe 10-20 each). I would also recommend 2 Fighting Conchs (they each require 2 sq ft of open sand). The combination of the 2 will help aerate your sandbed properly (only the top layers) and won't eat any of the pods or worms.

I've got a 125 as well and have the above (minus the Cerith which I will be getting sometime soon).

 

[reefNewbie]

I would probably also look into mini brittle stars as they help to clean the sand bed. A tiger cuke would also be beneficial and possible a mithrax crab. I have been doing the same thing you are doing, reading everything and everything about DSB's and posting a ton. I just put in my 4.5in DSB (from purearagonite.com) in my 90 on monday and am still waiting for it all to settle. Damn that water is cloudy, I even cured the sand for 2 weeks before putting it in my tank.

 

[saltjunkie]

variety of snails........... tiger tail cukes........... mini brittle stars
and the above opinions........

 

[hfmann]

Thanks everybody, appreciate the comments. I noticed no one mentioned hermit crabs. Seems to be quite a controversy about those.

I've been looking at some of the kits that IPSF and Inland Aquatics offer for sand bed fauna/infauna. Hopefully as soon as the bitter cold temperatures let up I'll be able to get a shipment in here.

At the bottom there should be a link at the status of this reconstruction. Again I appreciate all the help.

Hal
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g13 diesel strain