When to add Clean Up Crew

[Islander722]

I have a new 15gal AIO, fully cycled and two clowns added over a week ago. I keep reading about an impending “ugly phase” and would like to be ready to fight it.
I am not seeing any algae growth yet but was looking for any guidance on when to start adding clean up crew?

 

[tbrown]

When there's food for a CUC, start adding a CUC. Adding crabs/shrimp/snails with no food simply means you'd have to feed them. Nori sheets, algae wafers, etc for the herbivores.

With the clowns, you can add some of the snails o hermits that eat detritus and algae both since there's already poop and uneaten food that's starting to build up.

 

[Islander722]

When there's food for a CUC, start adding a CUC. Adding crabs/shrimp/snails with no food simply means you'd have to feed them. Nori sheets, algae wafers, etc for the herbivores.

With the clowns, you can add some of the snails o hermits that eat detritus and algae both since there's already poop and uneaten food that's starting to build up.

Thank you!

 

[Idech]

When the sand turns brown (diatoms) or you start seeing green algae.