Reef Cleaners cleanup crew?

Rlynch818 · Jan 30, 2016

Hello. Anyone have any experience with Reef Cleaners cleanup crew packages? I just upgraded to a 125g from a 65g. I know I need a much bigger cuc but their packages look huge! Live Aquaria's packages look similar in size, so they must be correct. Anywhere else I should look? Thanks!

jetmaker · Jan 30, 2016

Their snails are very small right now I just got some in but I got some nice Halloween hermits for $5 a piece.

Robertchrisroph · Jan 30, 2016

Hello and good day to you. Please don't buy a whole bunch at one time. Bio load and all) . And you will find you really don't need that many. Go to your lfs and grab a couple of everything. Find what you like and what is good for your tank. Allot at once is no good. Hope this helps

PaulKreider · Jan 30, 2016

I've always used reef cleaners and never have I been disappointed. Cheapest prices I've found. Contrary to above cleanup crew really doesn't add any bioload, not sure as to why somebody would think that.

Steve Maxwell · Jan 30, 2016

Reefcleaners.org is the only place I buy CUCs.

Mike in CT · Jan 30, 2016

BRS had a video last month discussing the size of cuc's that are appropriate. They bring up some good points.

Rlynch818 · Jan 30, 2016

Thanks for everyone's input. I've always read that they were good. I might get a slightly smaller package than the 125 since I have some stuff already. My nassirius (sp?) snails seem to multiply on their own! But for some reason smaller crabs don't seem to do well, or, didn't in my last tank. This may sound weird, but I think my bristle starfish grabs one everyone once in a while. Anyone else ever seen that, or am I crazy? I think he also grabs some snails, too.

Rlynch818 · Jan 30, 2016

Thanks Mike. I'll see if I can find that video. I just don't want to get to many and then they die of starvation.

shollis2814 · Jan 30, 2016

Rlynch818 said:
This may sound weird, but I think my bristle starfish grabs one everyone once in a while. Anyone else ever seen that, or am I crazy? I think he also grabs some snails, too.

I have a banded serpent star, and even though almost everything I read says they are harmless, I really think he is the reason my emerald crabs disappear after they molt.

jetmaker · Jan 30, 2016

Best just to build your own cuc there you usually don't need everything in the packages.

Rlynch818 · Jan 30, 2016

Thanks again everyone. I found the BRS video and my initial thoughts at least agreed with theirs. 1 snail and 1 crab per 10 gallons of water definitely sounds better than 1 per gallon.

2xal · Jan 31, 2016

I've been ordering from John at reefcleaners for years. One time it was wintertime and there was a delay in shipping (110% NOT his fault) and when I emailed him purely for advice on best way to try and save critters before the package arrived, he sent out a duplicate order without my even asking. You don't have to get a crew from him, but I do find that there are so many options I typically do order one just for convenience.

chaoha · Jan 31, 2016

I've used Reef Cleaners a couple of times. Always happy
With their clean up crews. Send John an email with your upgrade an he will build a crew for you.

Rlynch818 · Jan 31, 2016

Thanks. I am sure they are all great guys. I think I'll just order a (much) smaller package then add to it after things get settled in. Thanks again for everyone's help!

Lionfish Lair · Jan 31, 2016

All life has a bioload. It will depend on what and how many of a critter you put in there.

Here's some pictures of reefcleaners snails next to a dime for size reference.

Planaxis

Dwarf Cerith

Nassarius vibex

What he labelled Florida Ceriths are more of a "normal-sized" snail.

Jlobes · Jan 31, 2016

i like reefcleaners and have used them quite a few times. However, the snails they sell are quite small as renee clarified.stated. I like that as they can get into the nook/crannies of the live rock, but sometimes miss the larger astrea/turbos and the cleaning they provide. Im actually on the hunt for a CUC for the 120 restart, have a small crew from RC in there now, but need to re-up and was looking into billys reef connection. I have never used them, but they seem to have decent packs at a pretty good price as well. Im thinking some from RC and some from billy, to get the perfect mix.