What to stock

[Rippin]

Yes, I've found that the recommended number of CUC critters from sources to be too high.

In a newly established system there may be not enough food for all of those snails, crabs and especially shrimp (unless you feed them).

Eventually your CUC system will balance itself out and will only support the amount your tank can provide, in terms of food.

In a new tank, sand-dwelling critters (nassarius, conches) will be of little or no use, and would most probably die off.

If you're cooking rock, there may not be enough left on the rock to support a large CUC immediately. Wait until the algae blooms (which undoubtedly you'll have) settles down, then add your CUC.