Snails/Shrimp/Stars/Crabs What to get

Mekong · 03-09-2004, 02:19 AM

What else can I add to help clean up uneaten food and algae?

I have 5 turbos snails already and a lawnmower blennie. The tank is an 80 gallons with about 30lbs dead and 30lbs live rock.

How many more turbos should I add if any?

I am trying to find some Nassarius snails, how many should I add?

Would a red Linka Starfish be happy in there? Or any star?

Should I add any hermits? I was thinking of just adding a few, I have about 8 empty shells already in the tank if they need any.

I have some aiptasia, I was considering adding some peppermint shrimp, how many? And should I get any other shrimp?

Heres a pic of the tank.

Thanks

the_blue_tuna · 03-09-2004, 10:39 PM

I prefer Trouchus Snails to turbos but they can be hard to find . You can easily stock one for each 5 gallons. I like Scarlet reef hermits , they do a good job in my tank . You can stock one for each five gallons .You can also stock one for each 5 gallons when talking about the Nassarius. You could add a pair of peppermint shrimp .
My best suggestion though would be to add more live rock and if you have excess food on the tank bottom , feed less. These stocking levels are not maximums .

**Poseidon** · 03-10-2004, 11:14 AM

At one point I had ALMOST 150 Astrea Snails in my 135. THey worked great at keeping the glass clean. Trouble is I have something in my tank that EATS them. I have taken each rock out 1 by 1 on a couple occasions and have not been successful in finding the culprit. I suspect it is some sort of crab. I doubt it is a Mantis cause I never hear a clicking noise...

Anyway back to snails...

For your 55 I would get about 48 Astrea, 12-18 Trochus (they are expensive), and prob 24 Nassarious Snails. 24 Cerith and maybe 12 Nerite. That should cover all the bases for you. You can also add some Peppermint Shrimp if you want, say 6 or so. Notice I left out Crabs? They will eventually turn to your snail buddies to find a new house, so leave them out.

Stay away from Stars until your tank is at least a year old.

Mekong · 03-10-2004, 01:21 PM

If I dont add any corals and just let my macro algea grow, would a Choclate Chip Star be a good addition, or a Red Knob?

03-09-2004, 02:19 AM	#1
Mekong Just Moved In Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Monterey Posts: 44	Snails/Shrimp/Stars/Crabs What to get What else can I add to help clean up uneaten food and algae? I have 5 turbos snails already and a lawnmower blennie. The tank is an 80 gallons with about 30lbs dead and 30lbs live rock. How many more turbos should I add if any? I am trying to find some Nassarius snails, how many should I add? Would a red Linka Starfish be happy in there? Or any star? Should I add any hermits? I was thinking of just adding a few, I have about 8 empty shells already in the tank if they need any. I have some aiptasia, I was considering adding some peppermint shrimp, how many? And should I get any other shrimp? Heres a pic of the tank. Thanks

03-09-2004, 10:39 PM	#2
the_blue_tuna Governor Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: colorado Posts: 1,207	I prefer Trouchus Snails to turbos but they can be hard to find . You can easily stock one for each 5 gallons. I like Scarlet reef hermits , they do a good job in my tank . You can stock one for each five gallons .You can also stock one for each 5 gallons when talking about the Nassarius. You could add a pair of peppermint shrimp . My best suggestion though would be to add more live rock and if you have excess food on the tank bottom , feed less. These stocking levels are not maximums . __________________ In this hobby patience is not a virtue,,,,,its mandatory. Jim's Marine Links

03-10-2004, 11:14 AM	#3
Poseidon Moderator Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Swartz Creek, MI Posts: 6,358	At one point I had ALMOST 150 Astrea Snails in my 135. THey worked great at keeping the glass clean. Trouble is I have something in my tank that EATS them. I have taken each rock out 1 by 1 on a couple occasions and have not been successful in finding the culprit. I suspect it is some sort of crab. I doubt it is a Mantis cause I never hear a clicking noise... Anyway back to snails... For your 55 I would get about 48 Astrea, 12-18 Trochus (they are expensive), and prob 24 Nassarious Snails. 24 Cerith and maybe 12 Nerite. That should cover all the bases for you. You can also add some Peppermint Shrimp if you want, say 6 or so. Notice I left out Crabs? They will eventually turn to your snail buddies to find a new house, so leave them out. Stay away from Stars until your tank is at least a year old. __________________ Need a Photographer? Just say NO to CRABS Mike

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

03-10-2004, 01:21 PM	#4
Mekong Just Moved In Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Monterey Posts: 44	If I dont add any corals and just let my macro algea grow, would a Choclate Chip Star be a good addition, or a Red Knob?

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)