sand sifting sea cucumber

[vlangel]

Hi fellow reefers,
Got a question for the invert experts. I read a thread here about different creatures for a CUC than just hermits and snails. I am having some diatomous algae due to heavier feedings than normal since I introduced 2 new fish. (I wanted to make sure they were getting enough food until they settled in.). Anyhow I also had the opportunity to acquire a 1" algae eating cucumber. If he quickly depletes the algae in my sand is there a commercial food I can feed him?

 

[Tahoe61]

"algae eating cucumber"

Is there a more specific ID. I have kept a couple different types but I am not familiar with a cucumber that can be nutritional sustained on algae alone. If the cucumber is burrowing through your sand bed it's eating a lot more than algae typically.

 

[vlangel]

"algae eating cucumber"

Is there a more specific ID. I have kept a couple different types but I am not familiar with a cucumber that can be nutritional sustained on algae alone. If the cucumber is burrowing through your sand bed it's eating a lot more than algae typically.

I am feeling a bit irresponsible here. My husband ordered it on eBay for me. Actually he was ordering me a pistol shrimp but I could have other creatures for almost free shipping. Since I was having the diatoms on my sandbed I chose the cucumber. Its diet is microalgae, bacteria and fish wastes. Its a Florida based company but I have no idea what type of cucumber it is. I shouldn't have been so hasty. I don't want to starve this cucumber after he eats all he can in my tank. I do know of other reef tanks with DSB that maybe he could visit.

 

[Tahoe61]

I am guess it will probably be a Tiger Tail as they're pretty common. How big is your tank and how old? Once you get an idea on ID proceed from there. Heck for all I know there could be a cucumber that specifically targets algae. Do you know why you're having a diatom issue?

 

[vlangel]

I am guess it will probably be a Tiger Tail as they're pretty common. How big is your tank and how old? Once you get an idea on ID proceed from there. Heck for all I know there could be a cucumber that specifically targets algae. Do you know why you're having a diatom issue?[/QUOT
My tank is a 36g bowfront with a 10g sump. Its been up a year and a half but everything was moved from an 8 year old 90g. Alright not everything, I took the nicest LR from the 90g. LOL. Yes, I know the diatoms are a result of doubling my feeding to help a new yasha goby and royal gramma settle in. I also doubled my WCs which are already 5g/week to compensate but the diatomous algae was pretty bad until today. The new fish are well adjusted so I've backed the heavy feeding off. I think the tank is catching up and adjusting because the sand looked much better, hence my concern for the cucumber that hasn't even arrived yet. I used to work for a LFS and I could donate it to them and they could sell it to someone who has a much bigger tank?

 

[Tahoe61]

I guess see if it does the job and pass it along. Really depends on type though, some cucumbers are toxic when they become stressed or die.

 

[miamiangler]

I
have a sea cucumber In my tank since 2005 . never thought of feed It . It just moves the sand around . I would not get too worried about what It eats . It will keep your sand clean .

 

[vlangel]

I guess see if it does the job and pass it along. Really depends on type though, some cucumbers are toxic when they become stressed or die.

I knew that about some cucumbers. The fish store would educate any potential customers of that possibility and their system is enormous and can handle the toxins. They keep sea apples and other such creatures. The cucumber is supposed to be an inch or two long and the picture looked like the one you mentioned. Kind of brown and non descript. Is that type toxic?

 

[Tahoe61]

I had a Tiger Tail in my 28 gallon for a couple years. Read this: Saltwater Aquarium Inverts for Marine Reef Aquariums: Sea Cucumber, Tiger Tail

Mine eventually died and did not nuke my tank, that is my personal experience only.

 

[vlangel]

I had a Tiger Tail in my 28 gallon for a couple years. Read this: Saltwater Aquarium Inverts for Marine Reef Aquariums: Sea Cucumber, Tiger Tail

Mine eventually died and did not nuke my tank, that is my personal experience only.

Thank you, that is helpful info. What I am getting is much blander and not as pretty as that so maybe it isn't a tiger tail, or perhaps there is more than one type of tiger tail because everything else was spot on, not tolerating nitrates or copper. I think they release poisons when they are in dying in a stressful manner which isn't likely in my tank. Maybe I will keep him awhile and then donate him to the fish store.

 

[Trenbolone]

There are over 1,000 know species of Holothurian (sea cucumbers). So without seeing it, I'd simply be guessing. However the most common in the aquarium trade are tiger tails and pink and blacks. They eat detritus and life forms in the sand bed and will constantly scavenge, eating the sand and "pooping" out clean sand in the process. They are not necessarily "algae eaters". They CAN BE poisonous in the reef if they are extremely stressed or die. However, it is NOT COMMON for them to do so. However, based on your description you may have actually have purchased a Nudibranch, such as a "sea hare" or aplysia punctate. It is an herbivore, however I've never kept one myself and don't know much about them.

 

[Trenbolone]

*aplysia punctata. NOT aplysia punctate

stupid auto correct.

 

[vlangel]

Thanks everyone for your input. I am feeling much better about buying this guy. I will take pictures when I get him and that may help someone positive ID him.