Good critter packs?

[tallkooljp]

Besides getting some from someones old tank or live rock, any recommendations on who offers good "critter" packs to get a new refugium jump started? Not crabs and snails but the micro things like worms, mini stars, etc. Thanks!

 

[reefnetworth]

i dont recommend buying them in a package deal. you get more than you need, (IMO) all that ive seen advertised are overpriced. your LFS should be able to supply enough for needs of any aquarium. sand sifters (stars) eat copepods as well as other important inhabitants in sandbeds. the amount in an order is way to much, unless you have problems with phosphate (algae) etc. my opinon is my own through experience of taking extras back to a LFS so they dont starve. REEF-ON!

 

[drinkhomebrew]

How do you know what is a good amount of snails and crabs then?

 

[KDodds]

Look at the recommended cleaner packages for a tank your size on line. Half everything. This is probably what you'll "need" once the tank is well-matured, maybe a bit less. Buy half of that up front, or less. So, if they're recommending 36 snails, start with 9. IMO, 1 Hermit per 10-20 gallons is more than enough long term, and maybe 1 snail per 5-10 gals. I prefer diversity in snail species.

Dr. Mac's has some nice packages. I just picked up one of the Pacific algae/detitus packs for my 450, only I order the second smallest one.

 

[mleinart]

Inland aquatics has some nice packs:
http://www.inlandaquatics.com/prod/prod_detrit.html

They also have two refugium kits, but you have to call them for the details.