Elusive White Sand Bed

[justahobby]

I can't say enough good things about my Fighting Conch. I have struggled with keeping a white substrate since I run a 50/50 sand and cc substrate (for pod population). 2-3 weeks ago, I bought this guy for $8 which, to me, was a lot for one snail. He has earned his keep and continues to do so. I believe Fighting Conchs are being propagated which makes it even more appealing to promote them.

[cbianco]

I'm all about the turkey baster, myself.

I blow the sand and rocks once or twice a week. I've done this since I've started keeping reef tank. I've never been a big proponent of the "set it and forget it" sand bed maintenance program. I love it when others take a proactive stance in maintaining their sand beds.

As you've stated, some creatures are good at keeping the sand bed clean. But always ask yourself, "at what cost." Keep the previous quote. in mind when buying sand bed creatures.

Conchs are not carnivores but rather detrivore feeders. As with all creatures though, they are opportunistic and re-decorators.

Enjoy your conch and let's see those pictures!

Christopher

[justahobby]

Interesting, I've been under the impression, from material I've read, they are strictly herbivorous. Looks like I will be doing some extra homework tonight. I also keep nassarius snails so the oppurtunistic part doesn't worry me. Every fish, snail, crab, anemone, and coral are opportunistic to some degree and I've almost given up on stereotyping any creature.

I agree that stirring the bed is still warranted. Nothing beats good old fashioned "shoulders-deep in water" tank maintenance. However, I am still loving the fact that I'm stirring sand because I want to and not because I am looking at hideous brown algae LOL!

[Europhyllia]

I totally agree on the Fighting Conchs. I have two in my 125g and I love them.
Way more effective than the itty bitty Nassarius.
And they are so odd/fun to watch with their long noses and eyes sticking out and the way they hop.
I thought exactly the same: $8 for a snail?!?! But they're totally worth it.

[Kristy]

I am all about the inverts- We have 2-3 smaller fighting conchs in the big tank. They are pretty cool, but I am not sure how much they really stir the sand in the 210g. We had a really cool Florida fighting conch from John at reef cleaners (sponsor's plug). He was big 2-3 inches, but he accidentally got wegded up between two rocks facing upward and was dead by the time I noticed. :(

We do have some nassarius snails but I agree they don't do that much sand stirring wise. Our true hard workers are the cucumber (looks like a black turd in the tank :)), sand sifting star fish, and the diamond goby. Obviously they don't do so good for smaller tanks and the goby can be a jumper. We stir the sand line up by the glass each time we do a water change also. - Mike (& Kristy)

I recently put a small sand sifting cucumber (yellow pee looking) in the small 2og hex, which has been doing a good job cleaning the sand and rocks near the sand. - Mike (& Kristy)

[rickrutland]

Can you get the fighting conch locally?

[ErikH]

not overfeeding works well! :)

[justahobby]

I guess I was only interested in the algae eating habits because every website says omnivore lol.

Rick, Yes they can be found locally. I got mine from Texas Tropical. I never asked a sponsor, just happened to be there when a shipment came in. If your interested, try the "Ask a Sponsor" forum.

No overfeeding is boring! I hate to shut the pumps off when I feed. Makes it more fun when the fish have to scramble for food.

[Europhyllia]

Not overfeeding is boring! I hate to shut the pumps off when I feed. Makes it more fun when the fish have to scramble for food.

Yes, plus who says it's overfeeding? Finicky SPS maybe. I bet the fish would vote for us feeders. ;)
They think it's 'just right feeding'. :D