CUC Question

[RobinsonReef]

Hi Guys! About a week and a half ago I added 6 Astrea Snails and 6 Blue Leg Hermits to my 30 Gal tank which are the first inhabitants of my tank. The snails and hermits are doing a great job at keeping the upper part of my rock work clean but the bottom base rocks and sand are turning brown and hairy. The blue hermits tend to stay on the upper parts of my rock and not get on the sand. I know theres several types of snails that are good for the sandbed, cerith and nassarius, and that you can also add an emerald to help pick at the rocks. What is you guys experience with those types of snails or is there something else that is better at stirring the sand bed? I thought about a diamond goby but I am currently not using a lid and I know they can be jumpers. Although my tank is a tall so he would have to swim up quite a ways to jump. I like emerald crabs but I am kind of afraid to add one. I had a friend whose emerald knocked his rocks over and would constantly move things around and mess with corals, which I am not sure I want to deal with.

 

[Shawn O]

Add some nassarius snails. Also, if you like hermits, add some scarletts and some dwarf red-leg (red-tip) hermits.

 

[scooter31707]

IMO, I would leave the Emerald Crab alone. They will become more of a problem than good.

 

[RobinsonReef]

Thanks guys. Thats what I figured is that the emerald would eventually be more of a headache than good haha. I am waiting for my LFS to get some nassarius snails in today, will also probably pick up a few scarlet hermits and see how that does. Out of curiousity what do most of you have for a clean up crew in a mostly reef tank?

 

[Xxero]

A bunch of Nassarius snails with a few Super Tongan Nassarius, Margarita Snails, Astraea Snails, Red-Legged Hermits, & Peppermint Shrimp.

 

[saltyskier]

I used a snail mix from reefcleaners. All types of snails and keeps my reef clean from top to bottom.

 

[ericarenee]

just do not add so many that you need to feed them. Defeats the purpose . I say check nutrient levels and Solve the algae trouble . Not add more moths to feed and put more waste into your tank creating more algae for them to eat.
Clean up Crews is word created by the people who want to sell you more stuff you do not need..