How many cleaners for a 180 gallon?

FYRSQL · Feb 13, 2017

Ok.. I've gotten all kinds of feedback on this from people locally, but thought I'd try here.

A friend is starting up a 180 gallon. In the early days I used to throw a ton of cleaners at a tank but a lot would die. I just thought that was how it was, but then started realizing I was probably starving many of them out (or they were fighting each other for shells etc).

So, what's the guideline for a 180?

Keeping it basic... probably Nassarius, Nerite, Cerith, Trochus, Turban, and some Scarlet/Blues/Lefties.

Thoughts?

Mandrew · Feb 13, 2017

Ive heard one crab per gallon as well as 1 snail per gallon. Sounds like a lot to me, but I recommend Reefcleaners.org they sell pre designed kits for tanks of any shape and size and at a good price as well. But I also suggest getting a slightly smaller cleaner pack than they suggest for the reason you mentioned, a lot of them die which just causes more nutrients and more algae which leads to the desire for more clean up crew. Its a vicious cycle.

Roboson · Feb 13, 2017

A good rule of thumb: One crab per 1.5 gallon, a snail for every gallon. This varies depends on stocking, more for a highly stocked tank, less for a light bioload.

Maritimer · Feb 13, 2017

Enough to clear up your algae and detritus problems, without starving the CUC.

Each tank is going to be a bit different, with different types of algaes, for instance, to deal with and different types and amounts of leftover snacks missed by the fish. Get the cleaners that you need to deal with a problem you see arising, a few at a time, as your tank is ready for them.

That's the way I've done it with my 65 gallon, and that's the way I'll continue to handle it as I move those creatures over to a 220.

~Bruce

cloak · Feb 13, 2017

For that size tank maybe 12-15 Trochus snails and 5 Scarlet Hermit crabs should suffice IMO. Use something like a Mag-Float to keep the glass clean and either stir up or vacuum your sand bed on a regular basis too. If everything works out ok you won't have to add any more janitors to the tank later on. Don't forget your much more efficient at keeping that tank clean than any invertebrate will ever be. It's amazing what a little elbow grease can accomplish sometimes. GL.