clean up crew for tank with clam?

[laura]

Hi everyone,
This is the first time I've posted in this forum (I usually lurk the ceph forum). I am setting up a seahorse tank that I am really wanting to add a clam to. Here is the deal, I won't be adding any live rock or live sand. I will be creating this world from scratch, so I will know and control everything that is in it. This is where my preparation comes in. I will start with dead rock and sand and add some cultures of copepods, rotifers, and amphipods. I am looking at IPSF for my cleanup crew and I was wondering if I should skip the bristleworms and ministars because I want a clam. I need some kind of sand stirrers though. Also, am I safe with the mini hermits and trocus, turbo, and strombus grazers. Is there another site with some kind of clam safe sand stirrers. I've read back posts that say NO to bristle worms but there doesn't seem to be much about ministars. Are they okay?
laura

 

[holeinone1972]

laura,

It is nice to see someone ask for help, before jumping into this. You're clams will appreciate this.

Bristleworms should not be a problem at all. Bristles only go after dead clams, or dead fish.

I would skip hermit crabs even though alot of people say no problems.

Nassarius snails are useful to stir the sand, and to help clean up meaty foods and scraps.

Turbo snails and strombus are fine also.

I would go for Fighting Conchs. They are great for any cleanup crew. They will also bury themselves occasionally to help stir sand.

Sandsifting stars are ok, but will destroy your copepods and saud life.

Mini-stars are also no problems.

Feel free to email me if you need any other assistance.

Rob!

 

[laura]

Thankya Rob! I'll skip the hermits then. I have tons of questions, so I'll shoot ya an email. I want to make sure I know what I'm getting myself into before I buy one. I've learned from impulse buys. Right now I have a pretty little mandarin that I am fearing for it's life cause I can't seem to get the little guy to eat frozen. No MORE! I will always read up on a tankmate before I go shopping
Thanks for the quick reply!
laura