Suggestions for cleaner crew?

[sugarmaltese]

I set up a 90gal and it's about 1 1/2 weeks running. As soon as the amonia, nitrites, and nitrates are zero, I'm going to put a cleaner crew in. I'm not sure what I should get though. So far my list is:
2 cleaner shrimp
1 emerald crab
turbo snails
hermit crabs (fuge)

 

[RebelTart]

In our reef tank at work ( 230 gal reef tank) the turbo snails have left a slime-ish layer on the acrylic that is very difficult to remove. Unless it is not the turbo snails and something else entirley?

 

[mystikdragon7]

Forget about the emerald crab, I don't think they are reef safe IMO. Turbo snails are awesome, but you will have to rescue them everyday from dying. They are very clumbsy and when they fall on their back they cannot right themselves and they will lay there and die. Get a good handful of Nassarius, Cerith, and Astrea snails; they are a great clean up crew. As far as the hermits, make sure you put in extra shells that are bigger than the hermits you get. They will most likely make a meal out of other snails and even other hermits for their shells, because they will out grow the shells they have. Cleaner shrimp are always good to have and are very fun to watch.

 

[six.line]

I personally haven't heard of that problem with turbo snails, although I won't disagree. I do agree that the snail team should be diversified. And yes, cleaner shrimp are excellent. I got me one and I love it.

Emerald crabs, again, I've heard both good and bad. They're good if you have a bubble algae problem, but then again, I've heard they don't always work. *shrugs* I guess you get to figure that one out yourself.

 

[sugarmaltese]

Thanks for the help. Do you know any websites that talk about cleaner crews?

 

[six.line]

Keep sifting through this one.

 

[sugarmaltese]

thanks

 

[sugarmaltese]

I was just on LiveAquaria and I saw a sand sifting sea star. Are they reef safe and/or helpful?

 

[six.line]

no clue. Try a new thread to attract new answers.

 

[tangov559]

hmm...cleaner shrimps are kool but they will cause you stress in the long run if you have anemones....this is becuase whenever you are feeding your anemone, the shrimp will come rip it away and take it. this is my experience....they are koo...i agree