How fast should I expand my first clean-up crew?

[Lylelovett]

Hi all,

I have a 5x2x2 150g that I just stocked for the first time last night. 2 Clownfish, 4 Corals, 2 Sandsifting Stars, 3 Emerald Crabs.

My tank has a pretty good algae bloom going (which I understand is typical) and I'm wondering how quickly I should beef up my CUC? I'm down with the "taking your time" mantra when it comes to adding livestock and letting the tank stabilize, but I also don't know if I need to worry about the algae getting out of control?

Attached is a photo of part of the tank to give you an idea of the bloom on the sand/rock - I've been cleaning the thin layer off the glass.

Are the 3 crabs and 2 stars enough for now (as recommended as a good start by my LFS), or should I start adding?

Thanks!

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Well, it wasn’t good advice.
There is nothing in the tank for the stars to eat.
Emerald crabs are big animals that eat a lot and starve easily.

Honestly they should have reccomended a couple hermits, and then a variety of snails. Diatom rates and gha eaters, and slime algae eaters.

 

[Lylelovett]

Well, it wasn’t good advice.
There is nothing in the tank for the stars to eat.
Emerald crabs are big animals that eat a lot and starve easily.

Honestly they should have reccomended a couple hermits, and then a variety of snails. Diatom rates and gha eaters, and slime algae eaters.

So should I add those algae eaters into the tank then?

I could order a small pack from reefcleaners...

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

You’ll want to look at , small turbos , turbans, Astrias , ceriths.


https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/choosing-cleanup-crew-critters.258695/

 

[Lylelovett]

You’ll want to look at , small turbos , turbans, Astrias , ceriths.


https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/choosing-cleanup-crew-critters.258695/

Copy that.