Nudibranches,slugs,cucumbers,

[Solarflare8806]

what are your opinions on nudibranches,slugs and cucumbers. Some have amazing colors, but are they a hassel. Just wondering cuase im starting a reef and thought about putting some in there but wanted to get yalls opinion first.

Most nudi's and slugs have very specialized diets and it makes them hard to keep. In addition, the brightly colored ones tend to be poisonous to your tank when they die. Research your species well before purchase.

http://www.seaslugforum.net/

[Solarflare8806]

yeah i heard that if they die then the give off poisons but can't a protein skimmer take care of that? and just to say the one that I was looking at was the Australian Sea Apple. Has anyone had any experience with 'em?

I have a friend who writes for Wet Web Media. She decided to buy one of these. The thing killed all of the fish in her tank and most of her corals. It turns out that her tang took a bite out the sea apple and it released it's toxins.

I know that people have kept them successfully. I just wanted you to know all of the facts.

http://saltaquarium.about.com/blcucumberfam_cucumariidae.htm

[Solarflare8806]

thanks i think I'll stay away from tho's.

[MikeS]

Agreed with Curt....

Critters like nudis, apples anc cukes are usually difficult to keep long term due to dietary and/or environmental needs. Many, as stated, are also very toxic, potentaily putting all your hard work at risk....simply not worth the possible benefits of keeping them, IMO...

Mike

Bump with all of the above...its a nuke in your tank waiting for a place to go off. They look really cool, they are very interesting to be sure but know there is a risk. Its like walking on water chancing that the ice wont break...now figure the odds....

[Doctor_Reef]

Agree with everyone on the risk involved with keeping these remarkable creatures...Because of their special needs, and the difficulty meeting those needs, there are just way to many horror stories with people who have had these wipe out their tanks!!!!

[Solarflare8806]

Thanks all I think i will tak e all of yalls word for it and stay clear from thos Im just starting a reef tank and i don't want to put it rsk at all.

[2639]

This just makes the multi-tank systems look more attractive. I now understand why some people have multi-tanks. One for each type of animal that can't be included...I'm soon to be buying a new house and when I make the plans, I'm including a room specifically for my hobbies and will make sure to have plenty of room for more tanks ;)

[Solarflare8806]

yeah maybe in the future i look into them but right now im just worried about my 225, I don't want anything in my tank that over night could turn it into a graveyard because of its toxicity.

[Doctor_Reef]

There are lots of things that you can keep and they are not a tank risk!!! Have fun!!!

[Solarflare8806]

thanks