Cleanup Crew Addition
Printed From: Utah Reefs
Category: Specialized Discussion
Forum Name: Invertebrates
Forum Description: This is the place to ask questions about invertebrates.
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=79195
Printed Date: December 28 2024 at 3:18am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.03 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Cleanup Crew Addition
Posted By: kmtfishchannel
Subject: Cleanup Crew Addition
Date Posted: February 21 2016 at 11:57pm
| When starting a new tank when do you recommend getting a clean up crew? Snails, shrimp, crabs, etc. |
Replies:
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: February 22 2016 at 4:12am
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Here is my 2 cents. When algae starts to grow on glass and surfaces, add a few Snails. Add more Snails at intervals as the algae becomes more than the Snail population at that point can eat. I believe something is said about this in the Reefkeeping Tips. There is also a helpful thread linked there about the best Snails. Hermit Crabs are not as critical as Snails and can cause problems if too many are added. I don't think of Shrimp as part of the CUC. There is a crab, the Valonia eating Emerald Crab (Mythrax Crab) which can be useful if and when Valonia(green Bubble algae) start to show up. The best animal, IMO, to keep sand looking clean is the Sand Sifting Cucumber(Sea Slug). They come in a variety of colors. They are best added after 6 months or so, otherwise they might starve. While we're on the subject, I do not recommend Sand Sifting Stars. They eat the beneficial bugs and worms that can grow in the sand that are food for coral. Aloha, Mark
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