sand sifters

[xsdbs]

good evening all, I have my 150 gallon tank set up utilizing a dsb. I have about 3.5 inches of mixed live sand and med- fine kiln dried quick crete sand that I found at lowes. ( I also saw it at home depot). I have about 75 lbs of live rock ank I know I need more but will have to add a piece or 2 at a time. My question is about sand sifters. I bought 2 nice sized sand sifting shrimp ( about 3 inches long) and have plans on a couple more. I have also seen some sifting starfish and was told that snails and crabs will help with the sifting. How many critters will I need for them to do a good job of sand turnover. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Max]

It depends on the critters xsdbs. The stars are great and you should get a lot of critters off your live rock that will move to the sand bed. I'd wait until my tank had been set up for a while before you add to many sifters as you'd have to target feed them. Give it at least a month or so. The star is a great and so are some of the conches etc.
As to your live rock be carefull! Make sure that you only add curred live rock to the set up or you may have some pretty big problems. Never add uncurred rock and never trust curred without a test.
hth
sorry for the delay had to vote was in line for 2 hours.
Max

 

[YoFishboy]

Nassarius snails are great! They live in the sand, and the moment a flake of food hits the water....they pop out! Excellent for stirring sand and eating detritus.