Clean up crew question

[bradydavis67]

This community has been a big help so far. Thanks everyone! Quick question about my clean up crew.. here’s what I got in the tank so far and was looking for opinions or suggestions on what I got for my clean up crew so far. Currently having a diatom bloom. Hair algae is starting to grow on most rocks and all over the back glass. Here’s is what is in my tank so far

2 clowns
One spot foxface
Lawnmower blenny
2 fire shrimp
5 blue legged hermits
5 turbo snails
One tuxedo urchin
5 nassarius snails

What would you add?

I’m aware that the hermits might go after the snails. I have a bag of empty shells and I’m gonna drop in a few later today when I do a lil maintenance so hopefully try and prevent it if I can

 

[Fish Styx]

The answer would largely depend on the size of your tank. Can you provide us a little more information?

 

[bradydavis67]

Ah yes. Completely forgot that part my bad. 75 gal rectangle shaped. Honestly worried I put in too many turbo snails cause holy crap they put in work!

 

[Subsea]

While urchins are often bulldozers, they will consume much algae, even coraline. With respect to GHA, I don’t think snails are aggressive enough. I like small blue legged hermits and lots of them.

 

[Fish Styx]

Ah yes. Completely forgot that part my bad. 75 gal rectangle shaped. Honestly worried I put in too many turbo snails cause holy crap they put in work!

No worries at all, we're here to poke and prod you until you tell us what we need to know.

Said in a horrible German accent, "Ve Have Vays to make you talk."

I'm gonna assume it's a relatively new system and that you're going through The Uglies right now. In that case I would first get rid of the turbos- they are bulldozers in a shell.

If it were me, I'd keep what you have and go 10 nassarius, 10 margaritas, 10 ceriths, and 15 hermits. Then monitor and add to accordingly, or balance through attrition.

Some people dislike Mithrax crabs, but I like them and they've never done me wrong. I would also add 4. You're preference , though.

Please also supplement the diet of the FF and blenny with nori. The nuisance algae that your tank produces alone will not provide them with the nutrition they require.

 

[bradydavis67]

You are correct. I’m going through the uglies at the moment. I give nori everyday. My blenny doesn’t seem to care about it. He’s been fattening himself up on the diatoms. He’s getting chunky lol I do have algae wafers on standby cause I’m concerned the turbos are gonna take up most of his food source.

 

[Fish Styx]

You are correct. I’m going through the uglies at the moment. I give nori everyday. My blenny doesn’t seem to care about it. He’s been fattening himself up on the diatoms. He’s getting chunky lol I do have algae wafers on standby cause I’m concerned the turbos are gonna take up most of his food source.

It sounds like you've got all of the bases covered, and are off to a great start! I look forward to watching your system mature.

Namaste

 

[Reeferbadness]

i'd add another urchin - i have 3 or 4 in each of my 200g tanks and they mow down algae like no other. yes, they carry lots of debris on their backs and occasionally might knock something over - but they are bulldozers with algae even when it's a little longer than turbo snails might eat

 

[MikeyZo]

I pretty much agree, but I also like trochus snails. And the emerald crabs, like he said, never bother anything in my tank.

You could also get a Pom Pom crab. They’re a lot of fun to watch. Probably more of a scavenger but they’re considered omnivores I believe. Mine is a blast to watch, waving his little nems around if a fish gets too close

No worries at all, we're here to poke and prod you until you tell us what we need to know.

Said in a horrible German accent, "Ve Have Vays to make you talk."

I'm gonna assume it's a relatively new system and that you're going through The Uglies right now. In that case I would first get rid of the turbos- they are bulldozers in a shell.

If it were me, I'd keep what you have and go 10 nassarius, 10 margaritas, 10 ceriths, and 15 hermits. Then monitor and add to accordingly, or balance through attrition.

Some people dislike Mithrax crabs, but I like them and they've never done me wrong. I would also add 4. You're preference , though.

Please also supplement the diet of the FF and blenny with nori. The nuisance algae that your tank produces alone will not provide them with the nutrition they require.

 

[Maize & Blue]

Copepods. They’ll help with your diatom bloom.