Cleanup Crew - What to have?

Well, I'm actually this chick's son posting. But she made me do it because I thought of the question...wow what an honor :

Anyways, MY question (and her's too I suppose) is what type of critters or inverts should we have for our tank's cleanup crew and how many of each should we have? Snails, crabs, shrimp, etc.

The tank will be a 46g bowfront, which is currently taking up space behind me with nothing interesting about it except for the fact that it is precariously balanced on our old 10 gallon stand to help with what location we're going with.

And I really like blue legged hermit crabs, the more the better cause they're cute little critters. Thanks for all of the help so far!

-Justin (and my mom)

 

Talk to John Maloney on Reefcleaners.org. He is one of our sponsors. He can put together a custom set up that works for your particular tank. Very good deal. Just go to his site and fill out the questionaire.

......"this chick" LOL!!!!

 

My favorite things in my 90 gallon are the critters. In a 46 gallon heres what I would do...
4 blue legged hermit crabs
4 scarlet hermit crabs
3-5 star astrea or astrea snails
6-8 turbo snails
2 skunk shrimp
2 emerald crabs
2 banded/harlequin serpent stars
Im sure others will voice their opinions and fill in the gaps.

 

I just add as I need them, so far in my 120gal I have 6 turbos and 6 astrea and 4 red leg hermits. Tanks been up and running about a year now and they seem to keep up so far

 

Silverwolf points out another good strategy. I've been hearing bad things about reefcleaners although I have no experience with them myself.

 

In my 30 gallon, I have 3 fighting conch, 2 large mexican turbos, 2 trochus snails, 4 blue legged hermits, 5 scarlet hermits, and they're doing great. I'll be adding a blood shrimp soon.

 

my 58g I have about 20 blue leg hermits, about 40 trochea snails and 2 really huge mexican turbos, also have a single skunk shrimp, 5 peppermint shrimp and 1 really mean coral banded shrimp

Also have a dragon goby to help with the sand cleaning

 

Teenagers - sheesh! Actually, he's been my major researcher on this project and has a great interest in my tank........except....um....a "financial" interest!

Thanks all! Mom

 

Agreed. I've used them and very pleased.

 

The main thing about a cleaner crew is typically what to AVOID!! Many sites sell clean up crews that are not meant in anyway to be a clean up crew!! I would only have one serpent if any, I would start with maybe a couple astrea or "smaller" turbo type snail. The cortez turbos can and will get big and bulldoze everything in the tank. Also keep in mind that MOST snails sold in the hobby aren't TRUE reef creatures and prefer temps in the mid to upper 70's. Most snails will have shortened livespans if kept in the 80's consistently. I would agree w/ the blue leg crabs(dwarf) but maybe start w/ like 10. Also look into the dwarf red legs as well maybe 10 or so to start. It is MUCH BETTER to add than to buy too many and watch the critters starve to death!! Many people buy sandsifter stars but w/ the size of your tank I personally would pass. Your cleaner shrimp are fish "cleaners" but will easily survive off food in the tank and peppermint shrimp have been known to eat small aiptasia but are also known to nip on zoo's from time to time. Stay away from green serpents a.k.a green death as they are ambush predators and WILL eat fish that they can and will catch.
Just keep doing your research and be careful of blindly ordering CUC packages!!!

Good luck and post some pics!

PS Its nice to see a mother son combo tank-great job you two!!