[cvrle1]

Hey all.

I'll be buying my cleanup crew withing next couple of days (3-7 days) and was wondering what should I buy and how many of each. I have a 33 gallon with LS/aragamax and 30 lbs of LR full of life (really cool little animals on it )

Could you also tell me adv.disadv. of having some of these animals because I do not want to end up with something that will nibble my corals or bother my fishes once I get them.

Thanks a lot.

[botp2k1]

FWIW, I would recommend the following.

10 nass. snails per sq. ft of surface area. On a 29g, that would come out to roughly 25 nass. snails. Role is scavenger. Small, 1/4-1/2". I have these.

6 trochus snails, hard workers, last long. Diet is algae. Size is like Astreas but better. I have these.

No hermit crabs, others will disagree, which is fine. It is my personal opinion. I had one, (red legged scarlet-I want to say), was pretty cool. I admit I never saw it red handed killing snails but after several turned up belly up, it was the culprit. Having said that, hermits DO seem to be the goat sometimes. Nonetheless, no hermits for me.

Margarita or cerith snails, right now I am unsure about them. Diet is algae. Seems some are intertidal and that is not something we would want for the reef. I have ceriths and it appears they hang by the surface of the water on the glass somewhat. I always tell them to get to work but they don't seem to listen (good workers are hard to find these days!). I've only had these a short time.

Strombus maculatus from what I've heard and read are also very good. 1/2" in size and breeds prolificly! Diet is algae. I do not have any of these but would like to.

With these snails, you do not have to worry about your corals or fishes. With addition of hermits, you usually do not have to worry about your fishes, may or may not have to worry about the corals, may want to watch your snail population. Again, my opinion only.

Start small with your cleanup crew. See how they fare, if there are too many, some will starve and die. If they do well, you may always add a few at a time until you feel you have enough. I know many formulas exist for X per gallon but it really depends are your feeding habits, water conditions, and bioload.

Good luck in your search and hope this info helps.