Hermits/turbos per Gallon???

I always wonder how big of a cleanup crew should you have? Is there a guideline of some sort that tells you how many hermits or turbos you should have with a certain size tank? And also, how many do you guys have in regards to you tank size?

For instance, My 40 gallon currently has about 5 hermits and 6 turbos.

 

My Red sea max has 4 turbos, 12 hermits, 12 florida ceriths, 20 black ceriths

 

Don't let your tank size be the determining factor. A tank with a heavier bioload, and/or more liverock will increase your clean-up crew's requirements. If you notice you still have lots of detritus and algae scattered in areas of your tank, slowly raise your CUC numbers until it's taken care of. Key word being slow- you need to find a balance.

 

Add as you need is the better way to go. My 120 currently only has 8 turbos and 6 Trochus Snails

 

I got this off the web site for garf they use this as a guide line for there clean up crews.

30 GALLON TANK X 1.5 = 45 JANITORS

15 MIXED HERMITS 30 MIXED SNAILS

 

+1 I think this is much better than trying to just stock up on a bunch of snails at the beginning. This way not as many die.

 

Completely agree there. The only problems I have are minor hair algae blooms, on glass and gravel, mostly do to the tap. Im looking into buying a new Ro/Di unit. Old one cracked during the move. I know that will help imensly.

Also, with this larger tank, the turbos cant seem to handle the diatom/minor algae bloom on the glass, mostly around the gravel line. I was thinking maybe i should boost my crew.

 

Don't hurt to give 'em a hand now and again...I generally keep my glass clean myself..this allows them to stay busy on the rocks and floor and rear glass. JMO ; )
LG
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot...now THATS purdy funny.

 

As much as i enjoy the use of RO/DI units and their benefit to the marine aquarium, it will likely not resolve all your hair algae problems. As long as there are nitrates/phosphates in the water, the algae will be there to pick it up (and grow). Its a catch 22. It's not always pleasant to look at- but your tank inhabitants will never enjoy better water quality (Discounting the possibility that the hair algae tangles up with some coral, etc).