How many Nassarius snails do I need?
- Thread starter TWYOUNG
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I've never been able to keep sand white so I switched to barebottom. I was just reading about white sand yesterday and what I gathered is manual cleaning along with patience is key. Some folks say it can take up to a year. It seems like it just another part of the uglies. This is one thread
www.reef2reef.com
In my 180g 72x24x24 I used to buy Nassarius off ebay in lots of 50. It was fun watching them come up out of the sand when they smelled food.
What keeps your sand bed white?
As the question says, what keeps your sand bed white?
www.reef2reef.com
In my 180g 72x24x24 I used to buy Nassarius off ebay in lots of 50. It was fun watching them come up out of the sand when they smelled food.
ReneReef
Active Member
Have you considered that our image of white sand may be skewed by travel brochures filled with pictures of white sandy beaches? The beach where wave action constantly turns over the sand keeping it white.
In areas where that doesn't happen, or other forms of strong (tidal) current are absent, sand is not as white.
We turn our flow down to keep the sand in place, but having flow move sand around is how nature keeps it white.
In areas where that doesn't happen, or other forms of strong (tidal) current are absent, sand is not as white.
We turn our flow down to keep the sand in place, but having flow move sand around is how nature keeps it white.
just info but Also be advised these snails come in two sizes so 20 “ Tongan” isn’t the same as 20 vibrex or 20 of the larger/similar babylon snails
TWYOUNG
Valuable Member
I had one for a few months before it somehow escaped through the netting of my lid. Apparently 1/4 c 1/8" wasn't small enough. I did find it tended to stay in one area of the tank turning over that area but leaving the rest undisturbed. I've also heard many have express concerns about them pilling sand on low lying corals.
TWYOUNG
Valuable Member
I saw a video recently of someone churning up their sand with a turkey baster prior to using coral snow so I've started doing that in small sections weekly.I've never been able to keep sand white so I switched to barebottom. I was just reading about white sand yesterday and what I gathered is manual cleaning along with patience is key. Some folks say it can take up to a year. It seems like it just another part of the uglies. This is one thread
What keeps your sand bed white?
As the question says, what keeps your sand bed white?
In my 180g 72x24x24 I used to buy Nassarius off ebay in lots of 50. It was fun watching them come up out of the sand when they smelled food.
I absolutely agree 100% with this! I have a diamond goby and that is all he does! He moves sand constantly!
Uncle99
10K Club member
7 is fine.
My sand is “white” and I have not touched it in years.
It’s not as much the snails, but the stuff you can’t mostly see which does that.
I have nothing sifting sand but some snails. Starfish just consume everything fast and melt.
The good guy algae’s and bacteria’s keep rocks and sand clean, but they take a bit of time to get into sufficient populations to do that. Seems best ones are the slowest.
Excellent stable water chemistry and feeding the system, can speed that process. But they will come.
My sand is “white” and I have not touched it in years.
It’s not as much the snails, but the stuff you can’t mostly see which does that.
I have nothing sifting sand but some snails. Starfish just consume everything fast and melt.
The good guy algae’s and bacteria’s keep rocks and sand clean, but they take a bit of time to get into sufficient populations to do that. Seems best ones are the slowest.
Excellent stable water chemistry and feeding the system, can speed that process. But they will come.
They are great but not so great if keeping corals on the bottom. I rehomed mine because it was covering the corals with sand.
OH MY! Yes, I can see that being an issue for sure. I do not have any corals on the bottom, so mine just goes crazy.
Js.Aqua.Project
Reef Addict
So if you're after white sand I think you're targeting the wrong creature for the job.
Nassarius snails are great for going after leftover food, accidentally dead creatures, and detritus; however, they do not eat the sand. They do turn it up a little bit as they bury and and un-bury themselves but that is about the only impact they have on your sand bed.
I would recommend cucumbers instead. I prefer yellow cucumbers but tiger cucumbers work too. I have two yellows in my 8' x 2' 240 gal and my sand is almost always spotless as they are constantly eating and filtering the top layer of sand.
Some people prefer the goby route, which does work, but take this warning, once you add a goby the sand bed is forever the goby to scape as they see fit. It's no longer yours, so if you don't want it mounded it up it some spots and completely gone from others then a goby may not be the best option for you. They are also known for burying any low lying or sand dwelling corals
Nassarius snails are great for going after leftover food, accidentally dead creatures, and detritus; however, they do not eat the sand. They do turn it up a little bit as they bury and and un-bury themselves but that is about the only impact they have on your sand bed.
I would recommend cucumbers instead. I prefer yellow cucumbers but tiger cucumbers work too. I have two yellows in my 8' x 2' 240 gal and my sand is almost always spotless as they are constantly eating and filtering the top layer of sand.
Some people prefer the goby route, which does work, but take this warning, once you add a goby the sand bed is forever the goby to scape as they see fit. It's no longer yours, so if you don't want it mounded it up it some spots and completely gone from others then a goby may not be the best option for you. They are also known for burying any low lying or sand dwelling corals
BetteMidler
Active Member
What type of sand do you have? I used "Special Grade Arag-Alive! Reef Sand." I did spend several hours rinsing it clear before starting my tank over a year ago. Seems to just stay white with no effort. I do have a few Florida Ceriths & Nassarius snails. They don't clean the sand, just burrow in it.
GARRIGA
2500 Club Member
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Tampa Bay Reef Keepers
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My Tank Thread
Had a dozen nassarius in a 20g and that did nothing although was using TLF Reborn and perhaps why but don't think adding more would help. However, occasional disturbance with a powerhead or turkey baster solved it.
Js.Aqua.Project
Reef Addict
I have not had that experience with yellow or tiger sea cucumbers.
I've heard that about the Sea Apple - which is a sea cucumber.
BristleWormHater
5000 Club Member
Can you post pics of the cucumbers you have? I'm trying to find them, but searching "yellow sea cucumber" just gives me the filter feeding kind.
Thank you!
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