Clean up crew suggestions

[CSteve]

Hello. The other day I entered the ugly phase in my first saltwater tank adventure (diatoms I think?) on my sand bed and glass. Now I am noticing little green strands that almost look like grass on the glass. Could anyone let me know what I am looking at, and suggest a clean up crew? I have read astraea snails, turbo snails, and hermit crabs are a good place to start. What is a good ratio to have in a 40 gallon?

 

[PharmrJohn]

Take a look at Reefcleaners. They can recommend a good clean up crew based on your situation. Do you have fish yet?

 

[HomebroodExotics]

2 or 3 turbo snails, a hand full of hermit crabs and a conch.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

IME,, algae growing on the sand like that is an indication of low flow. You should have powerheads in the tank and have some flow going across the bottom. Get some snails, get a good nitrate and phosphate test kit and start testing and controlling the nutrients.

How many fish are in the tank and how ling has it been up?

 

[CSteve]

Take a look at Reefcleaners. They can recommend a good clean up crew based on your situation. Do you have fish yet?

Currently just a pair of clowns. Will take a look thanks.

 

[CSteve]

IME,, algae growing on the sand like that is an indication of low flow. You should have powerheads in the tank and have some flow going across the bottom. Get some snails, get a good nitrate and phosphate test kit and start testing and controlling the nutrients.

How many fish are in the tank and how ling has it been up?

Tank is a bit over 3 months and has a pair of clowns. I currently have a power head about 2/3rds of the way up the tank. Should I move it lower on the glass?

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Tank is a bit over 3 months and has a pair of clowns. I currently have a power head about 2/3rds of the way up the tank. Should I move it lower on the glass?

I would add another on the opposite side, have them somewhat pointed at each other to bounce and create random flow patterns, this is the best. To give you an idea, my 40 gallon has 2 gyres, my 15 gallon has 2 poweheads, water movement is very important and often underestimated