Cleanup Crew

[Wazzucycler]

Hey Everybody,

I have been reading your messages for the last couple months and am learning tons! I just started a 10g nano and am begining to let it cycle with a shrimp. Once the cycling is done what type of cleanup crew do you use? I have heard references to Astrea Snails and Fighting Conchs. Is there any advantage to one over the other? Also what would be your recomendation on stocking numbers of the snails for a 10 gallon?

Thanks for all the valuable information!
Jeff

[OrionGirl]

If you get snails without algae in the tank, make sure you feed them--snails die from starvation frequently.

I would go with about 7-8 snails total. There are several kinds, but I would stick with the nassarius and cerith snails for a nano. Some of the larger grazers will look positively huge in a small tank, and you'll have to be careful they don't knock things over. I would not put a conch in a 10.

[Dale W.]

You can also use some of the smaller hermits to help clean up the decor as long as you are not trying to cultivate Micro algae's.

BTW, How is the Zu these days?

[Wazzucycler]

Originally posted by OrionGirl
I would stick with the nassarius and cerith snails for a nano. Some of the larger grazers will look positively huge in a small tank, and you'll have to be careful they don't knock things over. I would not put a conch in a 10.

Would Astrea's work though? I did a little reseatch on the two that you suggested and they are both similar size to the Astrea, only diferenece being the Astrea does not burrow. I am in a small town and my options are pretty limited.


Originally posted by Reefscape
You can also use some of the smaller hermits to help clean up the decor as long as you are not trying to cultivate Micro algae's.

BTW, How is the Zu these days?

I was considering using a hermit or two as well. Any species names I can look into? Wazzu is busy, Pullman is still tiny and in the middle of nothing but wheat fields, and Organic Chemistry 340 is still the most challenging course...speaking of which I have to go to now:mad: .

Thanks for the info...and btw...I will be waiting until algae begins forming before adding the cleanup crew and slowly add them as needed. I am jsut trying to find out what works best now, instead of when algae begins to appear in my tank.

Jeff

[mogurnda]

I did a little reseatch on the two that you suggested and they are both similar size to the Astrea, Depends on whether you mean length or bulk. Ceriths may be as long from opening to point, but astreas are much larger in diameter. Nassarius are more scavengers than herbivores, so they would be in addition to grazers. One snail that would probably be very nice in a nano is the little Strombus maculatus. They are about 1/2 inch, zoom all over the tank looking for algae, and reproduce very well in tanks.
As usual, OrionGirl is right about the conchs. Even the fighting conchs are too big for your tank.
For hermits, I like blue legs and scarlets. Both are active grazers and don't bother other inhabitants, much. If you get cerith snails, you might avoid the blue legs, they have been known to take over their shells.
If you can't find them locally, try online:
Premium Aquatics (http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=PA&Category_Code=Snails)
IPSF (http://www.ipsf.com)
I'm sure other vendors, like liveaquaria will also have a decent selection.