clean up crew

[remowilliams]

i starting up a 55 gal reef tank. what would be a good clean up crew? when should i add them?

 

[Fuzzy]

to start off with i suggest getting like 10 to 15 small hermits such as scarlet hermits, zebra hermits, or blueleg hermits (all shouldnt get above an inch in size) i have scarlet hermits whic do a good job

then for algea i suggest a few mexican turbo snails. and then like 10 Nassarius snails.

and then for cleaning up food and other particles probaly a arrow crab or a aally lightfoot crab. both will be constantlty picking around eating algea and fod particles and a good treat for them is a whole pellet.

u should wait a month after tank is cycled to add them to make sure all conditions are stable for them cause they are not hardy creatures

 

[remowilliams]

will any of the crabs feed on cyanobacteria?

 

[Fuzzy]

im not sure but ive been told nassarius snails will

 

[ostrow]

nassarius will NOT, htough they sift the sand which helps prevent cyano. I'd get more like 30 of them and maybe 10-20 cerith snails.

And I'd get 1-2 fighting conch, which stir sand, eat algae and detritus, and DO eat cyano.

 

[Great Lakes]

I buy from these Guys.

Reeftopia has the best package deals on cleanup crews with free shipping that I have found.

I don't know where you are at Remo, but you get a couple other guys to go in with you and you can get mega loads from these guys on the cheap.

The last order I went in on I ended up getting 50 blue legs, and 50 astras, and a Sally lightfoot for 34 dollars!!

GL