Is This Clean Up Crew Too Much?

[nim6us]

Hello.. me again!

Just wanted to say thanks for all the great info and helpful replies yesterday. When I started my first tropical tank I went to a forum for help and they were so judgy and berating with their replies so I welcome the change of pace

I've recently acquired an already established marine tank and it seems I'm missing some key elements, namely it has zero flow and no clean up crew. I ordered some wave makers I'm happy with, but I just wanted to run my clean up crew list by other's with more experience. I got a great starter list from someone last night, but I live in Ireland and the store is in the States.

My concern is it feels like the below is a lot to add to my tank; but compared to clean up crew suggestions I've seen online it seems like my list is a little sparse. I welcome any feedback, thanks!

My tank is 200L (53 gal) and it's 100cm (40 inch) wide by 60cm (24 inch) tall

3x Hermit Crabs

3x Cerith Snail

3x Turbo Snail

2x Nassarius Snail

1x Tuxedo Urchin

 

[Jrco226]

I think you could add a little bit more in the way of Cerith both regular and dwarf, as well as, nassarius snails. Honestly, one of the best people to ask is John @reefcleaners.com. You can tell him what kind of algae you are dealing with, how much, etc and he'll give you good feedback based on your needs.

 

[Mal11224]

I think you might want to eliminate a few snails. If you are doing a reef tank, they will, from time to time, knock your corals off of the rocks. I have 3 turbo snails and a 70gal tank and it still happens. Looks like a good list otherwise. My clean up crew is small. 2 shrimp and 3 snails.

 

[Shelbytwp123]

I have about 40 CUC members in my 40 DT and 20 sump I love it everything is clean they take care of all the waste and extra left overs

 

[mcarroll]

Sparser is better...less CUC starvation. And I'd leave off the urchin, IMO.

Add more CUC later if you see the need.

2¢

 

[Emerson]

I just started up a 75 gal, once the algae started growing I added 4 x Trochus Snails, 3 Cerith Snails, 5 x Hermits, 3 x Emerald Crabs, 2 x Pepermint Shrimp. Seems to be a good amount for now.

+1 on skipping the urchin if you're planning a reef tank. They will knock rocks and corals over.

 

[nim6us]

@Emerson,

I was actually looking at Emerald Crabs, but read they could be agressive with snails and possibly pick at coral. Have you had any such problems?

 

[pa1ntbru5h]

Add some Trochus snails into the mix if you can. Those are my favorite. They can upright themselves if they fall on their back. And they do this funny spinning move if for example a hermit climbs on its back.
You're on the right track. Personally I would add a couple more Cerith and Nassarrius.

If you really want a Tuxedo Urchin. I only advise it if you don't have a lot of loose corals laying around and also your tank needs to be glass. The urchin will definitely eat the coralline algae but they tend to pick up and carry loose items on their back. They're a good CUC member.

@Emerson,

I was actually looking at Emerald Crabs, but read they could be agressive with snails and possibly pick at coral. Have you had any such problems?

I've had Emerald Crabs eat my soft coral.. You don't really need one unless you're dealing with bubble algae.

 

[Emerson]

I've never had that issue, but that's not to say it couldn't happen. I suppose just like hermits, if the food is too sparse they may go after other things like snails.