Clean up crew

m.h2176 · 10-11-2007, 11:01 PM

Can someone please explain what a clean up crew is, as associated with the aftermath of cycling a tank?

Rychek · 10-12-2007, 07:10 AM

A clean up crew is generally a collection of invertebrates (snails, crabs, shrimp, etc) that are good at controlling algae. They are used in the aftermath of cycling because there is generally an algae bloom that occurs during the cycle.

Nereaga · 10-12-2007, 05:40 PM

To add to Rychek's post, they can also be used as scavengers aswell. They can eat un-eaten food from feedings and also eat detrius aswell.

m.h2176 · 10-13-2007, 12:17 AM

What would be a typical clean up crew for a 55 gal.? I guess I'm worried about getting too many.

chadf · 10-13-2007, 12:34 AM

I like to stay away from crabs, but thats just my opinion. My cleanup crew that I purchased for my 90g about a week ago inluded: (they've done a great job!)
-5 cerith snails
-5 astrea snails
-5 margarita snails
-5 nassarius snails
-5 nerite snails
-5 onyx nassarius snails
-3 tiger turbo snails
-2 trochus snails
-3 turbo snails
-1 tonga nassarius snail
-1 chestnut turban snail
I'll also be getting a sandsifting starfish soon
(variety is the key)...I've also found the best prices for cleanup crew members on bluezooaquatics.com

Edit: nevermind on the starfish, my butterfly will eat it...forgot about that
(my font is like this because I copy and pasted my cleanup crew)

pupnsuds211 · 10-13-2007, 01:16 AM

ive also noticed that snails seem to be the wya to go.. however, if and when you get a major diatom bloom on your sand bed, crabs are the best way to go... my LFS recommended 25 for my 100 gal and after one night the tank looked 40-50% better(sand wise)

hell on wheels · 10-13-2007, 10:20 AM

After looking at Chadf list, I starting to think I'm a little understocked in the cleaning area. But I have only 3 really big turbo snails in my tank. 120 gallons, and they do an excellant job. As for my sand bed, it stays pretty clean actually, I just give it a stir from time to time, maybe once a month. Can't really add a starfish, since my hawkfish will pick at it. You think I need to add more? Worried there wouldn't be much to eat to sustain them, since the 3 trubo's I have do such a great job.

chadf · 10-13-2007, 11:15 AM

I think you're fine hell on wheels. If you're tank is clean then don't worry about it. You just have the 3 turbos though, anything that eats detrius?

hell on wheels · 10-13-2007, 12:33 PM

Right now no. I was researching it actually. Was thinking about a cucumber. but my SB is not deep enough I think. Also don't want any accidents with one. Been told my hawkfish will bother it, so I'm not sure. Was told the samething with crabs, and starfish with having my hawkfish. Any suggestions?

chadf · 10-13-2007, 07:11 PM

Bumblebee snails or nassarius snails burrow around in the substrate and eat uneaten food and detritus. I don't know about your hawkfish though, my butterfly loves to nip at any snail and get it turned over. He doesn't mess with the big turbos though.