How big should my "crew" be?

I am just wondering how big of a clean up crew I should have in my 29.

 

I would start off with 5 or 6 of 3 or 4 kinds of snail.
like 5 - Astrea Snails 5 - Margarita Snails 5 - Cerith Snails you could also get 5 or 6 hermit crabs if you want them. As for starfish or other inverts. I would stay away until your tank is more mature

J

 

5-6 crabs in that small of a tank?

 

definately man, 5 or more small reef safe crabs will help a lot. also check out super nassarus snails. excellent for your sand. once your tank is mature check out a small sand sifting sea star. they work wonders i have two.

 

IMO, dont get hermits for cleaner crew if your going with snails. The snails are more efficient in the long run...plus they dont kill eachother. If you like hermits, find a cool looking one and buy it ^^ I agree with Jason, i would stick away from stars.

 

Oh small ones like the mexican ones. I have 2 scarlets. No place around here sells small hermits.

 

I will be getting a 55 here soon. I was wondering if I could just put my sand bed(DSB) in their, with some of that packaged live sand. Then Place my filter/skimmer/live rock in their right off the bat. and not add anymore until I get a new canister and more live rock.

 

The only thing holding me back from getting snails as part of my clean-up gang is the thought of their multiplying.

If I introduce let's say 10 snails in my tank tomorrow how many snails would I be looking at a year down the road?

Apologies for the ignorant question.

 

I have never had a bad outbreak of clean up crew snail due to over breeding. It is more likely you would need to replenish some that have been lost. There are snails out there that breed like crazy and pose a small problem but they come in on coral or hitch hike on LR.

J

 

Im gona agree with Jason. I dont have any problems with snail reproduction. Infact i think i need to get some more soon. In my opinion my hermits have...."night parties" more often....XD