Cleanup Crew for Dwarf Seahorses

[seas_inside]

Hi all. I have some questions about the "cleanup crew" for my soon to be dwarf seahorse tank. Here's what the set-up is:

10G tank divided, equipment area (filter and heater) and living area for the horses. The equipment area is apprx. 2-3 gallons and the living area is 7-8. Also on the equipment side, I may put some LR.

Since I might have LR on the equipment side, can I put a peppermint shrimp (Lysmata kind) with it? (to control Aiptasia) I know that the shrimp are harmful to the dwarves, but it would be divided, so it couldn't get to them.

What I'm also looking into are Keyhole Limpets. I've heard that they eat hydroids. Is this true? Would they be good for my set-up? and which side should I put them on, equipment, living, or both?

I also may get Nasarius Snails for the living area.

If you could tell me how this sounds, that would be great!

 

[Brock Fluharty]

Shrimp are no-nos. I would say no to the keyhole limpets. Aren't they a predatory snail? I THINK that nassarius are ok, but not sure...

Sounds like a nice setup BTW. I would add some macro the equipment area.

 

[greenighs]

Keyhole limpets eat hydroids and probably a bit of the baby brine shrimp, leftover food, detrius. I don't think they'll bother the seahorses.

 

[Brock Fluharty]

My bad then! Good to see you Clare. Can't wait to see some brevies around SH.org soon.





Brock

 

[greenighs]

You and me, both, Brock. Not this week, but next, hopefully. Logistics/scheduling now.

 

[greenighs]

Oh, and small nasarius snails are fine in a dwarf tank.

 

[Samala]

As are Astrea, Cerith and Strombus snails for algae control, which you're likely to want.

>Sarah

 

[seas_inside]

Thanks for your input everyone.

I think I know what I want to do. Trochus snails, Nassarius vibex snails, and Keyhole Limpets. No peppermint shrimp.

A few more questions: How many of each? Will any of these snails crawl out of the water? (so I now whether to have a cover for the whole tank) Also, which side should I have certain snails on (equipment, living area; or both?)

Thanks again.

 

[Brock Fluharty]

I've had snails come to the top of the water, and go halfway out, but i've never had one like crawl out of the tank onto the floor, over my rug, and into my bed and nibble on my toe. Lol.

 

[Kati]

snails are good for dwarves, stay away from crabs, except for MAYBE the smallest of hermits. definately no shrimp.

 

[Ryanqk]

I believe nasarius snails ARE climbers, i have had them climb out onto the floor before!

 

[Fredfish]

Snails that climb out of our tanks are intertidal species. Nasarius is not. I suspect that you had something other than nasarius.

Fred

 

[whatnot45]

My nassarius climb out of my tank on occasion

 

[horsesncars]

I've had them climb out a couple of times during introduction of a new item (duster, plants) in my tank, and I put some 'stresscoat' in the tank, and they settled in. Levels were fine, but they sensed something?