Best place to buy "clean" clean up crew?

[Rob Mathews]

Looking for algae eaters for my 300g display. I've got a bit of a hair algae problem. (Lights out on the tank for 10 days has helped a lot)

All the lfs have horrible looking specimens with algae growing on the shells or aptasia even!

Location and quantities of critters appreciated. Snails, hermits, starfish whole crew in one shot would be good.

L.R.

 

[ScottJ]

Reef Cleaners has always been good IMHO. https://www.reefcleaners.org/

 

[TheDuude]

I have been using reefcleaners.org and IPSF.com for years. Would recommend both depending on your needs.

IPSF wonder mud and fuge booster is fantastic for getting a new tank some diversity.

 

[Sphyrna_gal]

Echoing everyone else so far- Reef cleaners! They have a pretty good selection of various CUC with a great price. Good with DOA issues as well.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Reef cleaners is one of the best places out there!

 

[PapaFishRocks]

Another vote for Reefcleaners.org

 

[PotatoPig]

+1 for Reefcleaners.

But, you’re getting stuff from the ocean - if you’re worried about unwanted hitchhikers then inspect and QT

 

[stE25wy14]

Looking for algae eaters for my 300g display. I've got a bit of a hair algae problem. (Lights out on the tank for 10 days has helped a lot)

All the lfs have horrible looking specimens with algae growing on the shells or aptasia even!

Location and quantities of critters appreciated. Snails, hermits, starfish whole crew in one shot would be good.

L.R.

what lfs do u go to? I see many in your area

 

[BZOFIQ]

I've used ReefCleaners and Reeftopia over the years.

 

[vespertineblue]

Anyone having had issues with DOA or customer service in general? I’ve ordered quite a few times from reefcleaners. Did not get a refund on DOA even though John said he’d refund. Last order had a pom pom crab without anemones and I do not get any replies. I’ve ordered at least 5 times and am a bit disappointed.

 

[braaap]

Anyone having had issues with DOA or customer service in general? I’ve ordered quite a few times from reefcleaners. Did not get a refund on DOA even though John said he’d refund. Last order had a pom pom crab without anemones and I do not get any replies. I’ve ordered at least 5 times and am a bit disappointed.

I was one of Johns first customers way back in the day when he started. And routinely bought from there. Probably 5-6 times a year and sent hundreds of people to him. My last 3 orders in 2024 were so bad(100% his fault) that I will never go back. Especially since he was mad at me that he had to refund me. He chewed me out because it cost him fees. Had he packaged properly stuff would have survived. He refused to refund me on one of the $100+ orders because of the fees and he blamed me.

 

[exnisstech]

I've used reef cleaners also and have been happy. I've been hearing some people unhappy with them but I haven't added anything in over a year. I may try reeftopia next, I've heard good things about them but no first hand experience.

 

[vespertineblue]

I was one of Johns first customers way back in the day when he started. And routinely bought from there. Probably 5-6 times a year and sent hundreds of people to him. My last 3 orders in 2024 were so bad(100% his fault) that I will never go back. Especially since he was mad at me that he had to refund me. He chewed me out because it cost him fees. Had he packaged properly stuff would have survived. He refused to refund me on one of the $100+ orders because of the fees and he blamed me.

That’s disappointing, people move on I don’t get why this is so hard to understand. Customer service is important! I’m not ordering again and will be looking at other sources.

 

[BZOFIQ]

I've used reef cleaners also and have been happy. I've been hearing some people unhappy with them but I haven't added anything in over a year. I may try reeftopia next, I've heard good things about them but no first hand experience.

I've been getting stuff from Reeftopia for past 3 years, never any issues.

I've bought both cleaners and fish. Their cleaners when bought in packs are decent price-wise and the fish when in stock are cheap. I have 6 or the dwarf angels from them happily living in harmony in my tank.

 

[ScottJ]

I've ordered a few times from Reef Cleaners and always been satisfied. It's been over a year though. I might have to look into Reeftopia if I need a bid order in the future.

 

[Rob Mathews]

Per everyone's recommendation I contacted them through their website. Attached photos of my tank, with a thorough description of my issues. It's been almost 2 weeks and I have heard nothing back from them.

Now I will try Reeftopia apparently.

Side note, I hate websites that don't have actual contact information on them. A phone number, email address and actual mailing address. These are common business things that people want to see. (Reef Cleaners has none of that)

L.R.

 

[TheFunnyFarm]

I just had another great experience with John and Reef Cleaners. My second, with the first mid-summer in a heat wave last year.

Ordered a Cleaner Package on 1/28, received a email confirmation from John later that day delineating his plan for shipping with dates and had a pleasant back and forth with him. It shipped 2/1, and received 2/3 via free USPS Priority.

Arrived warm despite the New England weather. Everything was well packaged in thermal bag with (2) heat packs, alive and accounted for.

Definitely worth it and recommend.

 

[ScottJ]

I just had another great experience with John and Reef Cleaners. My second, with the first mid-summer in a heat wave last year.

Ordered a Cleaner Package on 1/28, received a email confirmation from John later that day delineating his plan for shipping with dates and had a pleasant back and forth with him. It shipped 2/1, and received 2/3 via free USPS Priority.

Arrived warm despite the New England weather. Everything was well packaged in thermal bag with (2) heat packs, alive and accounted for.

Definitely worth it and recommend.

Well that's good to hear

 

[mfinn]

My go to place is Reef Cleaners.
I've had doa's and always gotten a refund or just credit.
Just used RC a couple weeks ago for a bunch of peppermint shrimp and some turbos.

 

[Scallopking]

Saltwater aquarium.com is awesome.