Clean Up Crew Only?

[123justin]

I'm setting up a 20g tank with live rock and live sand. How long would I be able to keep just clean up crew (shrimps, snails, etc.) by themselves in the tank?

Would their bio-load be enough to support the beneficial bacteria?

 

[steelhealr]

I'm setting up a 20g tank with live rock and live sand. How long would I be able to keep just clean up crew (shrimps, snails, etc.) by themselves in the tank?

Would their bio-load be enough to support the beneficial bacteria?

[snapback]868992[/snapback]​

THe cleanup crew is enough to support SOME. Put it this way...if they get left in there alone for awhile, I would'nt suddenly add 2-3 fish all at once. The ammonia might overwhelm the system and you could see an ammonia spike. SH

 

[billa_bong]

you could have a invert only tank, but i would think you need some way of creating enough ammonia/nitrites to support bacteria

but than again, your going to have enough bacteria growing to support your bioload...so there is no need for a ton of bacteria, if you added a fish though, you might run into some problems.

i would suggest just getting a damsel or clown to help it out, something thats stays small is a invert freidnyl...

 

[Great Lakes]

Agreed. Inverts will not place much of a load on your biological filtration, thus reducing it over time.

I too, would recommend a fish, but would look for a better inhabitant than a Damn sel.

GL