Time for a cleaner crew???

[sugarmaltese]

I have a 90gal tank that has been cycling for about 3 weeks. Ammonia-0
Nitrite-0
Nitrate-10
Ph-8.0
I was wondering if it's safe to put a cleaner crew in and, if so, what should my cleaner crew consist of?

 

[AllenFord_SC]

I would perhaps wait until you hit the algae bloom before adding the cleanup crew, after all they need something to clean up. Go with a mix of snails: Astrea, Cerith, and Turbos should be fine. Don't add to many, maybe 5 of each. Crabs: about 20 Blue legged hermits and a few scarlet hermits should do fine. Provide them with extra shells of various sizes or they will kill your snails for their shells. Stay away from stars at the moment because they require a well stabilized tank that has been running a while.

 

[sugarmaltese]

I'm pretty sure the algea bloom has hit. Every surface of my tanks is covered with greenish-brown yuck. Also, what do you think of peppermint shrimp vs skunk cleaner shrimp. And I'm thinking of getting an emerald crab 'cause they're adorable.

 

[jefathome]

I personally like the Trochus more than the Turbos, but that is just me. The Turbo's eat more Hair, and Trochus eat more film.
I started off with a 50g basic crew in my 70g tank, and then added more individuals as needed. When the film spiked, I got a few trochus. Within a week it was almost gone, so I stopped adding them. THen, as the hair started, I staretd adding 2-3 turbos a week until that was under control.

I also have a bunch of these that appeared out of nowhere:

I think that they are growing in my tank b/c there are little versions of it in there as well (with pink shells).

 

[MrChico]

personally, I have 3 peppermint that I wish I didn't have becuase I never see them and they keep me from getting feather dusters but I love my cleaner skunk shrimp he is awsome and loves to clean the fish, I also think my emerald crabs are neat but they have knocked over a few corals but I forgive them.

 

[sugarmaltese]

Do all peppermint shrimp hide? I think they're cuter than skunk shrimp, but if they all hide then I'm gonna want a more active shrimp.

 

[squirmy]

I have only snails. The hermits may misbehave...

 

[NbMaxx13]

I've had my Peppermint for over a year , it was about 1/2 inch when i got em and now he's about 3 inches fat and healthy ... I think it depends on what else you have in your tank ( This tank is peaceful) and my shrimp is super active and I see him all the time ....