[jbicb3]

Is there a cleanup creature that will eat (yuck) the fish waste? I tried sucking it up when I did a water change last night, but it's heavyer than the sand.

Also, will my 12" snowflake eel eat this cleanup creature?

Tank details here:
http://www.reefland.com/myaqlog/public.php?userid=5478
And in this post:
Newbie Introduction - Advice welcome

Thanks,
JerryB

[Samper]

Hermit crabs will eat it.

[Ninong]

Originally Posted by jbicb3

Also, will my 12" snowflake eel eat this cleanup creature?

Your snowflake's natural diet is mainly crabs and shrimp but it will sometimes consume small fish. In spite of that, it is considered one of the best eel candidates for a captive marine tank because of it's small size and relative lack of aggression. Just be sure that your tank is escape-proof because all eels have a tendency to escape.

Almost everything eats fecal detritus, including some fish. If it is produced by carnivorous fish, Nassarius vibex snails will consume it. Of course it goes without saying that bacteria will consume it. Any number of microcrustaceans will consume it. If you have a functioning sand bed, the bacteria and microfauna in the sand bed should be able to process it. Bristleworms and other polychaetes are excellent detritivores.

I don't think I would try any ornamental shrimp in your tank but perhaps you could get a dozen Nassarius vibex snails. Maybe even two dozen.

[jbicb3]

Originally Posted by Ninong

Your snowflake's natural diet is mainly crabs and shrimp but it will sometimes consume small fish.

I don't think I would try any ornamental shrimp in your tank but perhaps you could get a dozen Nassarius vibex snails. Maybe even two dozen.

I have a hermit crab, but I think he's big enough that the eel won't bother him. I have thought about the ornamental shrimp, but thought I could find cheaper food for Frosty.

Thanks for the advice, I'll check on the snails tomorrow.

Is there an inexpensive shrimp that would work for cleanup, but wouldn't be too costly to double as food? Do Ghost Shrimp live in salt water?

[Ninong]

I have heard of using live ghost shrimp as live food for fish, just as you might use live brine shrimp or live mysis.