Blue-Green (BGA) Slime algae (red too)
What inverts eat Cyanobacteria?
<very few... almost none. It is unpalatable to most and literally toxic to others>
I have hermits blue legs turbo and Mexican snails and one or two emerald crabs.
<some limited possibilities there... C. tricolor crabs, Turbo sp snails and some comb-toothed tangs. Not the emerald crabs though>
None of them seem to interested in eating the stuff. Please help. Thanks, Peter
<it is noxious if not toxic. And it would be better to treat the problem and not the symptom... do examine your nutrient export mechanisms... are you getting daily dark skimmate from your skimmer consistently? Do you thaw frozen food and decant the pack juice? Do you have very strong water flow to keep detritus in suspension, etc? A good skimmer alone can eradicate slime algae easily in 2 weeks or less. BGA is all about nutrient control and water flow. Please browse the ton of content on this subject in out wetwebmedia.com archives. Best regards, Anthony>

Dumping Detritus!
I have a 55 gal reef tank with sugar sized sand as substrate. I would like to know what animal/s would be good in helping me keep the detritus off the sand, as it is hard to vacuum?
<I like the idea of purposeful animals doing the job, rather than overly disturbing the sandbed through aggressive siphoning>
I don't have a preference as to snail, starfish, or fish. I currently have 6 Nassarius snails and 1 serpent banded starfish( which I read on here are good for this), but they don't seem to be keeping it very clean. Are these good for cleaning detritus off sand and do I just need more of them? Any help would be appreciated.
<I guess the definition of "clean" in a sand bed is arbitrary. It's usually impossible for it to be perfectly spotless, with no algae, detritus, etc. Keep in mind that a "sterile" sandbed is neither natural or beneficial-not to mention, pretty much unachievable! As long as you don't see excessive amounts of detritus, algae, etc. in the substrate, and water parameters are within acceptable limits, I think you're doing okay. Keep in mind that some organic materials are required by the animals living in the sandbed. Keeping the sand spotless through "natural" or artificial means can damage the very processes that are keeping the tank in balance, and perhaps even injure or kill the infauna that reside there. You could add one or two more serpent stars, but I think that I would keep it at that. Fishes like Pygmy Angelfishes (Centropyge) are detritivorous, as are some tangs. However, you need to consider the needs of the fishes and the other animals in your tank if employing these types of fishes to assist. Use the resources on wetwebmedia.com to learn more about sandbed management practices. Good luck! Regards, Scott F.>

Adding clean-up critters and LR
When should I add clean-up snails and crabs to LS and tank? Then, when do I add LR?
<<Add LR first, let tank stabilize, test for zero ammonia/nitrite, presence of low nitrate, do water change and add clean-up as there is food available (algae, detritus, etc.) Low fish load at this time after quarantine. Do a search on stocking and clean-up crews at WWM, much more information there. Have fun, Craig>>

Hiring a Crew
I have just set up a marine system with a 90g display tank, 20g refugium (with Caulerpa macroalgae) and a 10g sump.  It has 115lb live rock, 1/2" aragonite in the display tank and 4" in the refugium, a large Berlin skimmer, and a Magnum filter for carbon and occasional water polishing.  Temp is 78, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate are zero, carbonate hardness is 10 and Ph is just shy of 8. The system has been curing about 5 weeks, and I introduced the first fish today, a percula clown.
<Sounds nice. Recheck the pH, just to be safe. I'll bet that the pH will be higher if you check it when the lights are on.>
Two Issues:
(1)Brown algae has begun to form, and I know it's time for a clean-up crew.  What type of animals should make up this crew?  How many?  Should I put anything in the refugium as well?
<Well- brown algae is an unfortunate, but totally normal occurrence in new aquariums with abundant nutrients. "Clean up crews" can help, but it's really nutrient export that's the issue. Keep up regular maintenance, such as water changes with high quality source water, twice weekly in small (5%) amounts, aggressive protein skimming, and keep up the activated carbon use. It will eventually go away if you're diligent. As far as "crew" members, I like some of the blue leg hermits, Trochus, and Strombus snails. other animals, such as brittle stars, are nice, too, but really not algae eaters>
>Flying Fish Express sells a 100g clean up crew that features 20 scarlet reef hermit crabs, 40 turbo or Margarita snails (ratio varies), and 60 red leg or left handed hermit crabs.  Does this make sense?  
<That seems to make sense, but I don't like that many crabs running around, myself...Granted, there will be some attrition among these animals, so it's probably no problem. You also might want to check Inland Aquatics and Indo Pacific Sea Farms- both offer nice "cleanup crew"/biodiversity kits as well>
(2) Should my Ph level be higher?  How do I achieve this, a chemical buffer?  Adding calcium?
<Possibly buffer, but many times, regular water changes with properly prepared saltwater, can usually do the trick. Persistent low pH is a sign that something is out of whack with your husbandry techniques...Relatively easy to correct-but do check your pH at different times during the day to verify that you do, indeed, have a problem>
Thanks for your input, Jeff
<Jeff- it sounds like you're on the right track-system sounds good, you just need to stay on top of things! Do read up on the wetwebmedia.com FAQs regarding pH. You'll be fine! Good luck! Regards, Scott F>

- Which Herbivore? -
Thanks Jason, <You are welcome.> I have wanted to add an herbivore as you mentioned, but is there one that I could add considering my present livestock?.  I don't know of any that would be able to "survive". <Well... just how big is this grouper?> Maybe a tang? <Yes, although you will probably need to obtain one of size that would discourage the grouper from making a one-bite meal out of it. Groupers can be bad that way.> What about the little critters, is there something that I might have success with? <You might try an urchin... I've used Tuxedo urchins around more questionable fish, but there is still no predicting what that trigger will do. Might be worth a try, but a tang would probably be better.>
Thanks again, Tim
<Cheers, J -- >

What type of clean-up critters would you suggest for the following two areas of my FO+LR system.
Display: 180 net gallon display tank with a Huma Trigger, Maculosus Angel, Green bird Wrasse, Marble Wrasse, Regal Tang and Raccoon Butterfly.  Approx.175 lbs LR.  Approx. half the rock has hair algae.  The substrate (coral gravel) does not have a problem.  The back wall has some hair algae, but not to bad.
<No critters will magically clean up the hair algae. Believe me...I wish they could. Reach into the tank and pull/siphon this stuff out as much as possible and look for the root cause: high nutrients, wrong spectrum of light (old bulbs), silicate and/or phosphates, high nitrates etc >
22"x22"x10" refugium which is located in the center of my sump.  This area acts as a settling pond for detritus.  The live rock rubble has hair algae and the substrate (again a couple of inches of coral gravel) brown from the detritus. I have the upstream and downstream barriers protected from the incoming water and the return section of the sump with a combination of Plexiglas baffle with plastic eggcrate material to the water surface.  I eventually want to purchase macro algae for nutrient export in the refugium
from Inland Aquatics, but will have to wait until the temperatures in Fairbanks are 20 degree F or higher.  I think FFExpress will ship clean-up critters.
<If you really want a cleanup crew you can order the usual snails and crabs like the ones sold at FFExpress but realize the trigger will make short work of many of them, especially if he's large. David Dowless>

Re: janitorial work needed
What's up WWM crew! I have some questions about the cleanup crew I am about to purchase. I was thinking of getting about 75 hermits:
    25 Blue Leg Hermits (Clibanarius tricolor)
    20 Red Tip Hermits (Clibanarius sp.)
    25 Dwarf Zebra Hawaiian Hermit (Calcinus laevimanus)
    5 Scarlet Reef Hermits (Paguristes cadenati)
<Wow! That's a lot!>
     I was looking at around 75 snails as well:
    10 Margarita snails (Margarites pupillus)
    15 Cerith snails (Cerithium sp.)
    5 Turbo snails (Turbo fluctuosa)
    15 Astraea Conehead snails (Astraea tecta)
    15 Banded Trochus snails (Trochus sp.)
    10 Nassarius snails (Nassarius sp)
    5 Red Foot Moon snails (Norrisia sp.)
<Jeez-o- Petes! You really want a lot of these little critters...eh?>
Here are the inhabitants and the parameters of my tank:
-125 gallon AG
-30 gallon Sump
-65 lbs. LR (various)
-60-70 lbs. base rock (various)
-2.5"-3" Aragonite and sand substrate
-3 x 250W MH 5.5K
-2 x 96W PC True Actinic
>------------------------------------------
-Large Tube Anemone
-3" Clam (?derasa?)
-3" Pencil Urchin
-unidentified corals and sponges growing on LR
-2 Green Chr. (1.5")
-2 Firefish Gob. (2")
-1 Clarkii Clown (1.5")
-1 Yellow Tang (3")
-1 Coral Beauty (2")
>-------------------------------------------
Temp = 78
pH = 8.3
Ca+ = 400
PO4 = 0
Fe = 0
NH3 = 0.3
NO2 = 0
NO3 = >10
sp. gr. = 1.022
Does this cleanup crew sound pretty good for a start or do you recommend others or more?
<Not more for goodness sake! After these guys have cleaned up your tank what will they eat? In reality many of them will be out competed for food and die>
My tank is well-matured, I just haven't had a real cleanup crew in a while. The Hair Algae and Red Slime are suddenly taking over and I need something that is going to be able to keep this at bay. A couple of factors could account for this I think.
<The 10 NO3 for a start>
I turned off my Filstar XP3 last week because it had clogged and I thought I would see how things would go without it ( loss of some of the bio. filtration ).
<You don't need it any way. Stuff with some good quality carbon and change the carbon once a week or so...That'll keep from becoming a biological filter>
The food I had been feeding the fish for a couple of days was really smelling after I accidentally left it out, I quit feeding it to them because I thought it was no good ( Uneaten decaying food matter that was already no good ).
<Good idea. Food isn't all that expensive>
Or maybe it's the fact that all of my powerheads are not on. I ordered a Red Sea Wavemaster Pro for the tank and when I tried to hook it up and plug it in nothing happened. I sent it back and only plugged in half of the p. heads ( loss of heavy circulation ). Your opinions and comments on this problem are very much appreciated. I apologize for the format of this letter but I thought it would be easier for you to read. Thanks for your help.
<The more circulation that you have the better. Siphon the hair and skim before it gets entrenched. Unless you are really want all of those little critters, I would divide the top and bottom list and get those critters. If you find that you need more, then get the rest. David Dowless>

- Adding Clean-up Crew -
more questions...90 gal..90lbs Kaelini rock...5 weeks old...nh3-0..nitrite-0...nitrate- 10..sg 1.023...ph-8.3..1 coral beauty..2 percula clowns...will not be adding more fish for a long while...when and how many crabs. snails etc do I add and do they have to be qt <Greetings, JasonC here... I'm not a huge fan of the typical snails or crabs as they just don't seem to do the job they're meant to do and spend more time killing each other. I would consider adding a Nassarius snail or two to keep the sand bed clean, and depending on what happens with problem algae... perhaps just wait. The Coral Beauty should be able to keep some of that in check. Cheers, J -- >

Re: cleanup crews
Ok guys here goes...Hey Anthony and Bob And all. <Hiya. Paul here this evening playing both Bob and Anthony>
I am sure you have answered this before to many of us, yet I am dizzy with too much info. <Been there before>
What is recommended for a reef clean up crew? Which snails? Which hermits, if any at all,? Abalone or no. Mini-stars? Brittle Stars? <While there are a great many "reef cleanup crews" (pre-made deals et al) out there, there are only a few necessary additions to consider in my opinion. Mostly though it depends upon the function and need, as in tank size and type of application (algae, scavenger, or for biotopic aesthetics): One being mini brittle stars, a few snails (Nerites, turbo, Astrea, and Cerith, if heavy feeder ((heavy in additional bioload)) then I would recommend Nassarius) Hermits are too opportunistic for my tastes. Although I do employ them from time to time they can be a burden on other inhabitants. In any event see here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/algeatrcontfaqs.htm and here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/inverts/arthropoda/crabs/hermitcrabs.htm. Hope this helps>

Hermit crabs - algae
Dear WWM:
If you were to choose 5 species of hermit crab or crabs in general, for routine cleanup of green hair and filamentous algae in my reef tank, which would they be?
I intend on having corals and want "reef safe" varieties.
I live in Ft. Lauderdale and can collect hermits from the tide pools.  Can I use these?  If so, what species...blue legged, red legged, etc
Thanks,
Steve
< I would do mainly red leg hermits.  Sally Lightfoots are good at eating hair algae also. Cody>

Stirring The Sandbed
Good evening every one
<Hi there! Scott F. with you today!>
I have a couple of questions about maintenance of my new 4 inch sandbed.  I perused your FAQs and got confused. I could swear Bob said to use a wooden dowel and punch holes and gently stir once a month - all the way to the bottom of the sandbed. I'm pretty sure Anthony said to do this, but only to the top 1 inch.  Is there a consensus here?  I am not a scientist but want my sandbed to work.  I currently have my old crushed coral substrate on top of the sandbed in mesh bags to seed it, plus my live rock.
<If you're working on developing a true "deep sand bed" (I think that Bob's reference was to a "fish only" setup with a more shallow substrate...), I'd keep my stirring limited to the top 1/2 inch to 1 inch, to avoid disrupting the denitrification processes that you're trying to foster. To be honest, I really don't stir my DSB at all. You may want to utilize the services of a brittle star or two to do it naturally for you, without excessively disturbing the sand bed>
I read an article today saying that I should seed it with a kit (rotifers, etc.)  Is this correct?
<There are a number of e-tailers that offer "starter kits" of appropriate sandbed animals. My favorite source is Indo Pacific Sea Farms in Kona, and other folks swear by Inland Aquatics, or other firms. Most of these kits contain beneficial worms, snails, bacteria, and other useful creatures to help "jump start" your sandbed. Do some searching on the net for some good sources.>
Also, I had lavender/purple algae all over the sides of my tank and in the substrate.  I left it on the sides when I cleaned the tank, but it is vanishing fast.  Why is this?  And will it come back?  I have plenty of it on my rocks, don't want to lose all of it.  Can you explain?
<Well, if the lavender/purple stuff is coralline algae, then you will need to maintain proper calcium/magnesium/alkalinity levels to keep it going. If it is a Cyanobacteria (a nuisance algae), then you don't want it back! Do a little reading on the WWM site, using the Google search feature to get more information on exactly what kinds of algae you are seeing>
A note to Anthony:  I took your advice and went through all the crabs.  Just have six red-legs now, along with snails. I will watch them carefully, and if I lose any more shrooms they will get fired.
<I'm sure Anthony will be stoked to hear that!>
I also got a new Remora skimmer, and wow, what a difference.
<It's an outstanding skimmer, and really will do a great job for you! Glad to hear that it's working so well for you!>
Thank you all so much for your continuing support  I have been doing this for a little over a year now and have come a long way.  It is a very rewarding "hobby" (more like "addiction". And it would not have been possible without your continued support and advice. Connie
<Connie, we are so happy to be able to be of assistance for you! Sharing experiences and growing together in the hobby is what this site is all about! Keep growing in the hobby, and feel free to call on us if you need any additional assistance! Good luck! Regards, Scott F>

Clean up crew help
Hi Guys,
<Hi Louis, Don here tonight>
I have a 55 gallon salt tank that has currently cycle very nicely with about 30-40 lbs of LR from  Florida.  Things have started to proliferate on the rock including green algae.  Don't know if you would consider them Macros, but I don't think so.  No real developed leaf structures.  They are more grass like.  All chem. levels at this point are perfect at 0 with Nitrates at 10ppm, temp at 77 deg f..  These reading have been constant for well over two weeks now.
<Good for you, but if you are going with corals, need to see the nitrate at 0.>
I would like to move to the next step in my tank process, but as always, due to past failures I am afraid to make the wrong decisions.  
<Nothing wrong with going slow, actually can be a benefit.>
Can you suggest a combination (numbers and names) of snail/crabs etc that I would need to place in the tank for clean up?  I have no fish at the point, and in the future I plan on only some simple soft leathery corals.  Fish species still up in the air, definitely a Yellow Tang somewhere in the picture.  Still learning about fish species.
<I don't like using any type of crab. I hade red leg hermits that decimated my snails and have moved to snails only. Astraea, Nassarius, Cerith, Trochus, a good mix is what you are looking for. Numbers will depend on the load of the tank. I would start with 6-8 of each except the Trochus, maybe 3-5 of those. See how they handle the clean up and then modify from there.>
Lastly, I would like to continue as well by adding another 30+ lbs of LR and probably stop there.  Would it be detrimental to add the LR to the tank to cure at this time?  Will it hurt the current flourishing LR?  Can I add the clean up critters simultaneously  with the next batch of LR or do I need to wait out the next cure phase before moving forward on inhabitants?
<If you are going to add more rock now, I would wait to see if there is an ammonia/nitrite/nitrate spike, maybe a week or two. Then start adding livestock.>
Thanks so much as always.
Louis Rizzo

Selecting a "Cleanup Crew"
Hey Guys
<Scott F. your guy tonight>
I am somewhat confused about what "critters" to use for cleaning up detritus etc. I have had a few crabs, a few snails, and some shrimp. I need to purchase a restock of "critters" Could you give me a list of the BEST ones?
<Well, it all depends on what you need them for...If you're looking for algae control, you may want to consider Strombus, Trochus, and Turbo snails. I like some of the herbivorous hermit crabs, too. For detritus control, you could look into some of the so-called "Margarita snails", or the interesting "Sandbed Clams" that you can obtain from my favorite source, Indo-Pacific Sea Farms in Kailua-Kona. IPSF has a great selection of "cleanup crews" and diversity animals...Inland Aquatics, LiveAquaria, and other e-tailers offer a variety of animals that can do the job nicely....Do check out the many possibilities...Hope this helps! Regards, Scott F>
Thank You
Rudy

SCAVENGERS
>Hello,
>>Hello, Marina here.
>I have a 75 gallon saltwater fish only tank with crushed coral for substrate.  Please tell me what type of scavengers would be best to help clean up uneaten food?  Something that is easy to maintain.  Also, how many would you recommend?
>>Serpent stars.  You could add three or four easily.  I cannot recommend anything else without knowing what you have for residents (hermits, shrimps, and so on, may be eaten by wrasses, triggers, large angels).  Best of luck!  Marina

Re: SCAVENGERS
>I have 2 clowns, 1 orchid Dottyback, 1 flame Hawkfish and 1 coral beauty dwarf angel.  
>>Then you should also be able to have small hermit crabs, Lysmata spp. of shrimps (they'll take up uneaten food rather than specifically detritus).  Marina <<Mmm, the Hawkfish will eat the shrimps, and possibly/eventually the Hermits... RMF>>

Re: SCAVENGERS
>I am sorry, what is Lysmata spp. of shrimps?
>>Look here, many, many species.  http://www.google.com/custom?q=lysmata&sa=Google+Search&cof=AH%3Acenter%3
BGL%3A0%3BAWFID%3Ac12f9ba1e9294d73%3B&domains=wetwebmedia.com&sitesearch=wetwebmedia.com

Clean Up Crew And A Skimmer, Too?
I was hoping you would be willing to suggest a good clean up crew. I have a 125 FOWLR tank. A wet dry filter, 2 H.O.T. magnums, and 2 small undergravel plates. Currently I have 2 sand sifting stars, 1 brittle starfish, 1 serpent starfish, about 12 blue leg hermit crabs, a red general starfish, and a cowry snail. I was thinking of getting a 100 small blue leg hermit crabs and about 50 to 100 snails. However I was reading through you FAQ's and seen some mentioning of brittle stars, queen conchs, and serpent stars. What would you recommend?
<I like the mix of animals that you are considering, but I have become less of a fan of the hermits, myself. I question their ability (and desire!) to do what we think they should do! I really like brittle stars and Turbo, Trochus, and Strombus snails. They seem to do a good job for me.>
Also, I am looking into getting a protein skimmer, would you also please give me some guidance as to which you think is a better, in sump or hang on, which method, any specific name brand??? I was hoping to stay between $200 - $250, can I get a good one for that price? Any online places you recommend? Thank you.
Bill
<Well, Bill, I'd lean towards one of the Aqua C. units...The Urchin Pro is an in-sump model that can handle 75 gallons plus, and it's right in your price range (although it would be operating at the limits of its performance envelope). If you can push it to the $300.00 range (and afford a pump), you'd be well-advised to check out the Aqua C EV120. Either way, you'd be hard-pressed to find better skimmers in this price range! Good luck! Regards, Scott F.>

-125g Clean-up crew-
I have another question for you all. I am looking to get a good cleaning crew and I was hoping to get some input. I have a 125 gallon FOWLR setup. I run a wet dry, two 250 hot magnums, and a corner undergravel plate. I currently have 2 sand sifting stars, a serpent star, a brittle star, a cowry snail, and about 12 blue leg hermit crabs. Here is what I am looking into getting:
4 brittle stars <Larger brittle stars can consume small-medium fish at night. Buyer beware!>
5 bumble bee snails
2 fighting conchs <It is unlikely that you could keep two conchs fat and happy since they get so large>
5 peppermint shrimp
4 queen conch <I'd suggest only one conch, the smaller the better, but you may not even be able to keep one alive in the long term>
2 serpent stars
2 emerald crabs.
In the future I would like to get a few cleaner shrimp and some fire shrimp. Will that be a good cleanup crew or so you recommend anything else? <Sounds good, how 'bout some snails for algae control? Good luck! -Kevin>
Thanks
Bill

How many hermits - 10/14/03
     I'm a little confused. <Aren't we all?>  On the hermit crabs page, it says:
"If you use them, place about one, two small Hermits per actual gallon of your system. <Emphasis on small> Use a mix of species and make sure and provide many "upgrade" homes (empty shells) for your Hermits to move to." <I can agree to this view with the exception that the hermits should be small>
     However, on the first hermit crabs FAQ page, the first question reads:
"Snail & Hermit Crab waste
Hi Bob:
My tank finally cycled with a lot of algae bloom. Two days ago I added 10 Scarlet Reef Hermits 10 Turbo/Margarita Snails and 30 Red Leg/Left-Handed Hermits from FFExpress. They have done an excellent job cleaning but I noticed a lot of waste since I added them in the tank. Is this bad for the tank? And should I pull out some of the hermit crabs out?
<You neglect to mention how large your tank is. I would not use anymore than 1 hermit crab per 10 gallons. I use about 1 snail per 2-4 gallons depending on the tank, lights, etc.>
Thank You, Aram
<You are welcome. -Steven Pro>"
     So which one is it? <Well, I can see this view as well, different strokes for different folks. Let me tell you what I have in my ten gallon tank. Two hermits. That's right....two. Ask me how many I started with? Ten hermits of varying species. Aggression and starvation has eliminated the competition. So my recommendation is one no more than two per ten gallons period. The same equation works in my twenty gallon for the most part. I now have three left out of twenty. So maybe no more than four in a twenty gallon should suffice>  There's a big difference between one or two hermits per gallon, and one hermit per ten gallons. <Agreed. The above recommendation is what works for me. You might have luck with a few more if you feed them regularly. Is it a little bit more clear? Hopefully so>
     As you can see, I am confused. <Naw.......just a difference in point of view. You are gathering information for a better point of view. Good on ya' mate, -Paul>
     Brian

Peppermint Shrimp, marine scavengers?
If I am starting a saltwater tank - 55 Gallon - I have spoken to people who said that I need Peppermint Shrimp to help keep it clean - How many do I need to buy?  How often should I expect to replenish them?
<Mmm, I believe you have mis-heard. This species of Lysmata shrimp is employed as a cleaner of sorts... for removing pest anemones. Please make use of the search tool on the homepage of www.WetWebMedia.com (at bottom, left)... insert the terms "marine scavengers"... and read.
Bob Fenner>

Clean up crew choice for a Mandarin tank - 11/04/03
Hello all,
Just a question. <Aren't they all> I have a Mandarin (Synchiropus splendidus) named "Chowder" who has been loving life in my tank for the last 6 months and is quite fat and eating well. <Very glad to hear!!!> I want to know if there is a good bottom cleaner (snail, shrimp, fish, crab) that will be a good clean up guy that will not invite himself to partake in Chowder's food supply. <Well, are we talking eating chunks or leftover marine meats, algal matter, or the actual amphipods and copepods?? (naturally occurring food stuffs)> I have a few blue-legged hermits and was wondering if there is something better. <depends.....I like a mixture of Nassarius snails, Cerith snails, maybe an Astrea, some blue-legged, zebra, scarlet hermits. Usually they will do the trick without doing too much damage the reef environment per se. Some like blennies as fish go. I think a brittle star or any starfish, cucumber, or even an urchin would not be a good choice here. Try and resist these particular "cleaning crew" choices as they can be somewhat destructive to the reef environment. Extracting materials in the natural food chain in the tank and eventually disrupting the ability for the amphipod larvae to find food stuff at the proper size. Also, it is possible the starfish might predate on a sleeping "Chowder" or could just out compete him for food stuffs. Be resourceful and informed my friend. Again, my recommendations are just some things I hear in the field but have not seen myself. My starfish don't seem to care there is even any amphipods in the tank others have told me they will hunt them. -Paul> Thanks again.

Amblygobius (actually other) species that eats algae
Hi all,
<Hello there>
I contacted previously about Amblygobius rainfordi, and realize that this is not the fish for me. Thanks for the advice and info. I would still like a goby, and I like the look of the Amblygobius gobies. I for article at WWM it was indicated that some species eat algae. I have a well established 135G tank of 3 years, with a refugium . One of the reasons I am interested is I have heard that they will eat hair and other filamented algae's. I have normal algae growth, but my tangs just won't touch the stuff.
Thanks
Bryan
<Mmm, a few pertinent points to (try to) make. One is that there are some algae species that most all fishes refuse to ingest... perhaps they're unpalatable for chemical, physical reasons... And approaches to these algae control lies elsewhere... Second, there are better blennies for cropping filamentous algae than gobies in general... Look to the genera Salarias, Atrosalarias if your system is large enough. Please use the Google search tool on WWM here for much more. Bob Fenner>

- Seastar Questions -
Hi crew,
Long time reader first time writer.
I just want to make sure my last purchase is a smart one. <Ok.>
First I'll start off with some tank facts.
Saltwater 55 Gallon FO
ammonia- 0 nitrite- 0 nitrate- 0 pH-8.3 Sal. - 1.023
don't test anything else
carbon run 24x7.  protein skim with a Versa-jet skimmer (cheap I know, but actually has wonderful performance for me, about 4-8 oz of dark skimmate daily.)
3.5-4" crushed coral substrate
cheap lighting (perfecto strip of I would guess two 15" fluorescents)
Inhabitants - a few damsels
clarkii clown
Pseudochromis
very small valentini puffer.
I am looking into getting a star, particularly the chocolate chip star.
I would like to get this star to help clean my substrate and glass. <Not a sure thing.> Also I have heard its very hardy. <Hardy in what sense? All seastars could be lumped into the category of 'not hardy' although some may tough it out longer than others.>
Are my conditions good enough for this star to thrive? <Hard to be certain - are many variables, health of organism on arrival, appetite of that puffer, available food, etc.> There is plenty of algae that I have to clean biweekly to weekly off the substrate and glass. <Can't guarantee that this seastar will eat this.> Will this be enough for him along with the left overs from my fish feeding (frozen krill, frozen brine shrimp, dry blood worms, flake, frozen silversides, frozen clams)? <Well... I'm sure you know that these animals don't move very fast, so it may not get the opportunity to get to all this food or clean the glass as quickly as might be useful for you.>
Would you suggest a different star (although I would like to stay with a hardy specimen) <Again, really no such thing as a hardy seastar in the pet-fish trade - are all delicate and responsive [in a negative way] to water quality issues. There are others, like the general star that are impractical to keep that would rate higher on the hardiness scale than a chocolate chip star.>
I would love to add some live rock too but I know my lighting wont be sufficient for the invert. <Wouldn't be so concerned about this - live rock with or without lighting will provide benefit to your tank.> hitchhikers and coralline growth.  So I think I will wait for better lighting till I get the LR. <I wouldn't wait if I were you.>
Thanks,
APM
<Cheers, J -- >

Clean-Up Crew (1/20/04)
Hi WWM Crew. It has been sometime since I last email you folks. I finally got around to converting to DSB and Live Rock and protein skimming for filtering my 75 gallon FOWLR tank. It look great. I now have a 4.5 - 5 inch DSB comprised of 150lbs of Southdown (hard to find in Texas) <impossible in Utah> and 40lbs of Carb Sea live sand. <Sounds nice>
I just set it up a few days ago and was wondering how long to wait before adding a detritivore and or clean up crew kit. I still have a 6 hermits in the tank. Everyone says that the LR will seed the bed, so do I need a detritivore kit to get the pods and worms for the sand? <Much can come from the LR, but a detritivore kit will give I a boost. Up to you. I am a big fan of these two sources: www.ipsf.com and www.inlandaquatics.com > If I order a clean up crew, should I order a 30 gallon clean up crew now and another 30 gallon crew a few months from now? <It's really up to you. I'm not a big fan of hermits myself. I like various snails like: Nassarius, Nerites, Turbos, Ceriths. Also a big fan of Brittlestars. There is no specific # of snails/hermits you need. Retailers will tell you that you need whatever # they want to sell you.>
In addition to the DSB, I added a 20 gallon long sump/refugium. What should I put into the Refugium? It is about 15x12 inches. My primary goal is NNR. <Will you be lighting it? Chaetomorpha or Gracilaria algae would be great. You could also put some critters in there (refugium fauna kit, for example.>
Thanks, Glenn <Hope this helps, Steve Allen>

Detritivores - 2/22/04
Hello again,
Thank you guys for all the help,  however,  I always manage to need it again. <Hello again>  This time I'd like to know what kind of detritivores are good for cleaning the whole tank. <where to begin. Look through our site on maintenance and algae control. Also, look through some of the live marine sites for their recommendations. I like brittle stars, hermits crabs, snails, shrimps, cucumbers, and even some fishes.> As of right now I have a 70 tall that has lots of rocks and corals in it.  The detritus in the tank seems to be affecting the health of the system because the corals are not extending well and the tank seems to be coated with a thin film of poop. <Then maybe you could siphon it out?> I've tried water changes but it doesn't seem to be doing as much as I want it too. <More frequent changes with siphoning or you could do just as well with blowing it with a turkey baster and then do the water change> Is there any really good organism that eats the poop and turns it into a smaller more chemically filterable matter (something my sand bed and rocks and filter out?). <Some sea cucumbers in the genus Holothuria: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/seacukes.htm But remember not to look to adding an animal as much as you should look at your maintenance habits and regimes> I have plenty of snails, crabs, and sand sifting stars (4) but they don't seem to be doing enough. <Sand sifting stars tend to filter out good bacteria that may aid in the breakdown of detritus. Not to mention one to a large tank is more than adequate. Not too useful in my opinion> Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. <I suggest to cut back on feedings, increase water changes (implementing blasting and siphoning), increase circulation to keep detritus in suspension to be siphoned out, no sand sifting stars, and maybe the addition of a new detritivore. Good luck ~Paul>  Chris

Set Up and Stocking Questions
Whomever is answering questions--thanks.
<Welcome>
These may seem repetitive. I have The Conscientious Marine Aquarist in my lap, and I've looked at your set up and stocking pages but am still confused.  
Background: I started keeping freshwater about 3 years ago and last  November started a 12-gallon nano-reef, which was set up at the local fish store  for me. It had a tomato clown, a bubble-tip anemone, 1  firefish, umbrella and leather soft corals,
<These get much bigger than this tank... can be disastrous chemically if "upset">
live rock and live sand, and  later three tiny gobies (they called them red-cheeked at the store, but  I've never seen them in a fish book)
<Likely Elacatinus puncticulatus: http://wetwebmedia.com/neongobies.htm
Do you see this fish here?>
as well as many snails, a peppermint  shrimp, and some macroalgae. I had no problems. Changed 2 gallons of water a  week and changed out carbon once a month. I gave that set up and all my  freshwater set ups away when I moved in September.  
Am now trying to set up a 46-gallon tank as a mini-reef tank.  
<Ah, much better>
Found a very helpful LFS but they insisted that I buy uncured live rock (which  is nice rock, but uncured) and base rock (total of 55 pounds) and put  it in the tank above not live sand. So I now have that set up and the  ammonia is off the charts.
What should I do now?
<Off the charts as in more than 1 ppm? I would change a good part of the water out with some pre-made... keep the skimmer clean, running at peak efficiency... maybe dose the system with a Kalk product...>
Also, I need to keep a clown fish and an anemone.
<Need?>
With that information,  the
LFS had me buy a 110 36 inch watt 9325K light. Is that enough light?
<Not likely... unless it is a specimen, species that can/does derive a good deal of its nutrition from eating vs. photosynthesis... you will soon see... as it will move about...>
(I need the clown fish and anemone because their relationship is the only thing my husband likes.) If it's not enough light, I'll buy what is.
<I see>
Here's what I'd like to keep in the tank, in addition to the clownfish. It seems too much, but some answers seemed to suggest it'd be o.k., others not. 1 Jawfish, 1 symbiotic goby and shrimp, 2 cardinalfishes (pajama or Banggai), 1  firefish, and 1 (or 2) Bannerfish, whichever is the smallest hardy breed.
<Heniochus acuminatus>
I am  planning on adding macroalgae to the system.
<Do consider adding a refugium... locating at least some of the macroalgae there>
Cleaner crews: should I buy a pre-established set?
<Maybe... but like securities, stock picking, you could do as well putting your own assortment together as by purchasing a "mutual fund">
Some of them seem to  have things like sea cucumbers in them which don't make sense from what I've read, as well as scarlet hermit crabs. That's confusing, suggesting that the aquarium stores are wrong. Also, when should I add it?
<After the system is completely cured, ahead of the fishes>
I really appreciate your help, and think that the Conscientious Marine Aquarist is a wonderful book.
All the Best,
Margaret Cooter
<Thank you for your kind words. Bob Fenner>

Detritus Eater
Dear crew,
I just had a quick question, in the near future I will be purchasing this tank, http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=10677&inm=1&N=2004+62760+113565 , what are some things I can purchase to control detritus that are reef safe? A list with a few things would be nice, thank you very much.    -Randy
<<Hello Randy. You can put a few hermit crabs, and a snail or two...depends on the size of critters you are buying. A large, one inch or more snail can handle a twelve gallon tank all by himself. "Reef safe" leaves some broad horizons...what exactly are you planning to keep in this tiny tank? Corals? Fish? The water parameters might well fluctuate so much that the Reef Safe animals you do house may not survive. For now, you should start with the cheap, easily replaceable animals, like a few small blue legged hermits (say, 5 of the lil beasts) and one turbo snail, an inch across, OR two smaller Nerite snails, you get the picture. Avoid anything fancy for the time being. By the way, small bristleworms are excellent detritivores. Perhaps you can buy some live sand from your LFS.
-Gwen>>

Marine system algae bloom
I have a 75 gallon marine aquarium that recently had an algae bloom in which I lost some of my favorites.  I have done water changes faithfully and it appears I am winning the war.  However I still have some bubble and green hair algae.  So recently I added 2 green myth. crabs and I do have a few scarlet and blue Mexican hermits...my question is how many "cleaners" and what type can be maintained in a 75 gallon tank?
<Not able to state given the provided information... more than you list if you have a good deal of live rock>
What type and how many should I have to keep my tank healthy?  
<Up to you... what you consider "healthy"... You should read through WetWebMedia.com re set-up, maintenance aspects in lieu of such "crews">
Many places sell the big "attack packs" which I purchased when I originally set the tank up about 2 years ago.  The quantity seems like overkill, and indeed I did see the "cleaners" thin out in number.  Your wise advice is, as always, gratefully accepted.
Thanks,
Jeff Wagner
<We agree as to these "kits"... read my friend... there are many ways to get you where you want to go... nutrient limitation, export... rather than establishing predator-prey relations twixt producers (algae in this case) and consumers. See WWM re. Bob Fenner>

Nano Reef Clean-up Crew and Detritivore Recommendation 8/17/05
I like to say first off great web site I found a lot of good info here... <<Thanks>> I was actually wondering if I could get a good suggestion on a clean up crew for my nano reef, both algae and detritus... my tank is a 15 gallon eclipse system w/ a retro fitted lighting system consisting of one 15w Coralife fluorescent and two 13w pc's all 50/50.  I have no protein skimmer just the built in pump with carbon filtration and a BioWheel... sorry didn't mean to get side tracked.  I was just wondering if I could get an idea of a good set of inverts to help clean both algae and detritus from the tank... I would like a variety of creatures in the aquarium including snails, Nudibranch or cucumbers, and hermits, and I eventually want to have a yellow-banded coral shrimp so compatibility w/ this creature would be appreciated. <<I'm not trying to discourage you, I just want to make sure you are well informed. Please understand that nano reefs are harder to maintain than larger systems. I would encourage you to search WWM and read up on every aspect. Here are few links to start you out:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/smmarsysdisfaqs.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/smmarsysfaq6.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/smmarsysfltfaqs.htm>>
Current Specifications of Water Quality
Temp            76 degrees F
Ph              8.1
Specific Gr     1.021-1.022
Ammonia         >0.25 ppm (but not quite 0)
Nitrate         >2.5 ppm (but not quite 0)
Nitrite         >0.05 ppm (but not 0)
Calcium Level   450-500 ppm
<<Raise the SG to 1.025. How long has the system been setup?
Strive for Ammonia and nitrite of 0. With the high calcium level, I would guess your alkalinity is low. Unless you are planning on keeping stony corals, strive for a calcium level between 350-425 and alkalinity of 8-12dKH. You will find values in these ranges easier to maintain.>>
Additives
Daily: Iodine, Liquid Calcium
Weekly: Strontium/Molybdenum, Kent PhytoPlex or ChromaPlex (each on every other week)
Biweekly: Tropical Science NitroMax w/ Oxyboost
(also added w/ water change approx 2.5 gallons every other week)
<<Wow, you are a dosing machine. IMO, you can save a lot of money and still have a thriving system by using a good quality salt and changing 1-2 gallons of water every week. The water changes will supply all of the elements needed for you reef.>>
Thank you for your time
Donald Summers
P.S. this was my Idea let me know if it sounds good or not, thanks
1 x Banded Coral Shrimp, Yellow (Stenopus scutellatus)
1 x Sea Cucumber, Tiger Tail (Holothuria sp.)
10 x Dwarf Blue Leg Hermit Crab (Clibanarius tricolor)
2 x Nassarius Snail (Nassarius sp.)
10 x Cerith Snail (Cerithium sp.)
1 x Lettuce Sea Slug "Nudibranch" (Tridachia crispata)
<<Your list seems reasonable although I might reduce the number of hermit crabs. Clean up crews are a little bit personal opinion.
Also, be aware that when the hermits are hungry, scavenging gets a new interpretation. I would wait a few months before adding a detritivore kit. Also, please read up sea cucumbers and clean up crews. (http://www.wetwebmedia.com/seacukes1.htm and
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marscavfaqs.htm).>>
If this is a good selection what are some compatible fish to go along with these specimens?<<As for fish, again personal preference will prevail and there are many small, colorful and interesting fish to choose from including clowns, gobies, blennies, damsels, etc.>>
Thanks again
<<You're welcome and good luck - Ted>>

Re: Nano Reef Clean-up Crew and Detritivore Recommendation... actually mainly a stocking query 8/20/05
Hey Crew,
Thank you for the quick response.<<You're welcome>>. Previously I asked about a good clean up crew for my 15 gallon eclipse system 1. I have a retrofitted lighting system consisting of on 15w Coralife fluorescent and 2 13w pc's all 50/50. Is this enough lighting or do I need more, and with this being a carbon filtered system how often should I replace the Carbon. <<For the animals listed below, the lighting is fine. You will need more light if you plan on adding stony corals.>> I perform weekly water changes and currently replace the carbon monthly. <<That sounds about right>> I know it is to early to much of anything right now but I would like a second opinion.
Currently the system has been running for approx 2 months.
ammonia  0
nitrate  0
nitrite  0
temp   76 F
PH   8.1-8.2
calcium  450 & 500
alkalinity is  10 dKH
Specific Gr     1.021-1.022
<<I would raise the SG to 1.025. Your calcium level is elevated. Are you dosing a calcium supplement? You don't need dose anything as long as you keep with the regular water changes and don't have any stony corals in the system.>>
This is my revised idea for total stock in the end. Currently I only have the hermits and about 20 lbs of LR and 2-3 lbs of LS
1 x Banded Coral Shrimp, Yellow
(Stenopus scutellatus)
4 x Dwarf Blue Leg Hermit Crab
(Clibanarius tricolor)
2 x Nassarius Snail
(Nassarius sp.)
8 x Cerith Snail
(Cerithium sp.)
1 x Rainford's Gobi
(Amblygobius rainfordi)
1 x Yellow Candy Hogfish
(Bodianus bimaculatus)
& assorted polyps and mushrooms corals
<<A good list but your tank is probably too small for the hogfish.>>
I am trying to get as many thoughts as I can what should I add next or better yet what order should anything be added. I have read and heard everything from start with fishes to allow your system to stabilize w / the corals first. I believe the best way to tackle the situation is to get a couple of thoughts on the matter as to stocking order. This is the order I have used in the past: Inverts , Corals and then Fish (I have also taken a FO tank and added LR then Corals and then inverts) both systems worked but what's the recommended way to go.<<I would add the clean up crew, followed by the shrimp. After that, it's up to you. There are many variations depending on factors such as the age of the system, fish species and coral species.>>
Thanks again.
<<Cheers - Ted>>

Cleanup Crew/Algae Control...and what else? More Mandarin trouble.  10/4/05
Good afternoon, Bob!
<Actually Adam J here with you tonight.>
I have found your website to be invaluable for information.  Thank you very much!
<Well it’s not my doing but I agree this place is awesome.>
I am the temporary keeper of a 29-gallon saltwater aquarium.  I know that it has more inhabitants than it should have for its size, but it's not my tank!  :-)  
<Sounds like you should show your “friend” the way of the force….I mean responsible aquarium keeping.>
However, I am wanting to control the algae & get some help with leftover pellet food cleanup!  <If there is a lot leftover you are over feeding.>  I recently purchased a horseshoe crab, which I now know from your website, was a mistake for this tank size.  <Yes.>  However, I also have a turbo snail & a mandarin goby in there.  <Whoa a Mandarin? Do you know the requirements of this species? It will surely starve in a 29-gallon tank within months.>  In considering hermit crabs and additional snails, can you offer suggestions?  <Trochus snails are a favorite of mine for algae grazing, though the best way to prevent algae is to remove the nutrients that are feeding them. Efficient skimming and frequent water changes should be employed.>  The most aggressive fish living in the tank are 3 damsels, so I don't think that will be an issue.  <An issue as far as what?>  But my concerns are these:  (1) the aggressiveness of hermit crabs as they outgrow their shells, and I wonder if there is a breed of crab that will work whose shell grows with him or who will accept a spare shell rather than attack others for a new one. <You should always have extra and larger shells for the hermits to choose from. This will help minimize the aggression. Hermits “rent” shells they do not grow with the crab.>  (2) How many crabs/snails will I need to control algae in this size tank? <The one turbo and a Trochus or two is more than enough. I prefer not to use hermits.>  (3)  How big will a hermit crab grow... will he outgrow the tank? <Depends on the species some stay dime sized while other can become softball sized.>
Your response is very much appreciated, and I look forward to hearing from you, Vicki Racette
<No trouble but please address the Mandarin, as it is not suitable for this set-up. Adam J.>

We Need Merry Maids!  11/12/2005
Hello WWM Crew,
I hope all of you folks are doing GREAT and as always, thanks for the wonderful website! I am almost completely cycled and getting ready to start stocking my 240 gallon reef tank and I think I have most of my livestock list figured out except my "cleaning crew". This has been the most confusing aspect of figuring out my livestock list thus far and was wondering if I could get some advice. 
My first question concerns the Nassarius obsoleta or Ilyanassa obsoleta. I was considering adding some of these to my cleaning crew for their glass cleaning, algae eating; sand stirring ability but I have read so many mixed reviews I am not sure what to do.
<"When in doubt, leave them out">
One person swears by them and the next person condemns them. I was wondering if you would give me your opinion and/or experience with them, whether or not you recommend them and if you do recommend them,
<Are useful creatures of utility for many types of marine aquariums, species mixes>
how many you would recommend for my 240 gallon tank?
<A handful, two handfuls>
I have 500 pounds of rock (250 pounds base rock/250 pounds live rock) and an average sand depth of 2". Also, I am including what I have come up with for a cleaning crew and I was wondering if you could advise me whether you feel this is appropriate for my setup or not and if I should add the N. obsolete along with this crew, substitute if for one of the other snails or leave it out all together. I haven't purchased any of these items yet because I don't have a LFS or anyone locally to ask advice and to be totally honest, you folks are the only source I trust when it comes to my reef tank. I also would like your opinion as whether I should add this cleaning crew first or should I add some of my other livestock first 
<They, the cleaner-uppers, should go in first>
and wait a few weeks before adding my cleaning crew so they won't starve on such a new tank. 
<Not likely with the LR>
Anyway, the cleaning crew I have come up with is as follows and please direct me as to whether you feel this is appropriate or as to what changes I should make. The list is as follows: (50) - Mexican Red-Legged Hermits Clibanarius digueti, (200) - Small Blue-Legged Hermits Clibanarius tricolor,
<Am not a big fan, okay even mid-sized fan of using Hermits, and not in large numbers... I would start with far fewer if you want to use these>
(120) - Turbo Snails Astrea sp., (120) - Nassarius Snails Nassarius vibex, (30) - Nassarius Snails Nassarius polygonatus, (30) - Nerite Snails Nerite funiculate, (120) - Cerith Snails Cerithium strercusmuscarum and (6) - Peppermint Shrimp Lysmata wurdemanni. 
<... this is way too many snails... by about an order of magnitude in my opinion/experience. Many will die off... polluting your water, others will "die mysteriously" consumed by the Hermits...>
I am sorry for such a long email but I just want to make sure I am on the right track before adding such a critical component to my reef tank. 
As always, thanks so much for your help!
Take care all,
Bryant
<Please read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marscavart.htm and the linked files above... Do agree with you re differing opinions in this hobby interest... And mine is to scrub more, circulate, aerate and skim more... be careful re introduction of the means of algal and detritus production, and severely limit the introduction/use of such "cleaners". Bob Fenner>

Clean up Crew
I'm putting together my clean up crew for my 46 gal. tank w/ 65 lbs. of live rock with lots of Algae.
Would you recommend a combo of Turbo and Trochus or Turbos and Astrea snails? How many of each for my size tank?
Thanks, Rob O.
>>
Well... you've asked a pointed, defined question... So... I'll gladly respond in kind. I don't encourage the stated stocking density of Trochus genus Snails, and I do favor the use (if being utilized) of Turbo and Astrea genera gastropods over the use of Trochus... (though in Europe... there are some collected/collectable trochid family members that are desirable...).
Bob Fenner
Thanks Bob for answering the question of what kinds of snails. How many would you recommend for my size tank? 
<Oops, sorry for missing this part previously... IF I was using snails, five or ten of 
Astreas and Turbos... Some Blue Legged Hermits... again five or ten... depends on the types, amounts of live rock used, lighting... other algae eaters... am a bigger fan by far of using fishes... like Ctenochaetus Tangs, Blennies...>
I also really want to get some starfish. I was thinking (1)Blue Linckia,(1)orange marble and (1)brittle starfish. Should I purchase these when I get my clean up crew or should I wait until my tank is more established? How many would you recommend for my size tank? Right know the tank is 6 wks. old with lots of Algae mostly brown).
<I'd only consider the middle species... and you can place it now... or wait
Bob Fenner>
Thanks again, Rob O.

Suitable Herbivores for Reef Tank
I want to add an active herbivore to the tank that will prune the plants (grape and lettuce Caulerpa) without disturbing the other members of the tank community. A tang seems like a logical choice but have some contradictory information on whether or not they are compatible with coral and other invertebrates.
I have a 125 gallon reef tank with 100 pounds of live rock and crushed coral substrate that covers about half the bottom of the tank. Wet/Dry filter, protein skimmer and UV sterilizer.
The current population includes: Clean up crew, 4 cleaner shrimp, 4 clown fish, purple fire fish, coral beauty, fairy wrasse, a mix of hard and soft corals, 3 anemones, 2 starfish and a horseshoe crab.
Can you recommend suitable tank mates?
Also, would like to know if I can add an additional dwarf angel to the tank (Flame Angel)?
Your articles are extremely informative, and I enjoy reading your responses.
Thanks: Dave 
>>
Thank you for writing and being part of this forum. I would indeed trust a tang of either the Sailfin genus Zebrasoma (like the Yellow and Purple) or the Combtooth genus Ctenochaetus (like the Kole/Yellow-eye, or Chevron) for the job... the only real downside of these fishes is they might eat too much of your "spare" Caulerpa.
And I would definitely get a nice Flame as a show piece for your system. For your size system it should learn to get along with the Coral Beauty within a few weeks maximum...
Be chatting. Bob Fenner

Cleaners???
Hi Bob,
Was just wondering what your recommendation for a "Cleanup Crew" would be.
I've got a 92 gal tank. My rock (being cured now) has some bubble algae and assorted macroalgae on it now. I like the Mithrax Crabs, Blue and Red leg hermits. Do these guys get along? <Yes> I've heard that snails can do more harm than good. Is this your experience? <Depends... the snails that are most often used are not much problem... dying, disease-spreading wise... Just do your best to get some that are initially healthy... FFExpress does a very good job with these>
I don't want anything (if possible) that gets large (over and inch or so).
I want the cleaners to do their work in the background, and leave the fish and corals as the main focus. I've seen tanks that are over loaded with cleaners. I don't like that look.
<The Mithrax Crab will be bigger than this with time (a few inches)>
Is there any "cleaner (s)" that would sift and clean the sand bed enough to eliminate the need for vacuuming the sand bed? And no toxic time bombs!!!!
<Some fishes... keep reading>
If you could be as specific (species, quantity) as possible with your recommendation, I'd really appreciate it.
Thanks in advance, Tony Revinski
PS Do you live in San Diego?
<Yes, for most of the year, Bob Fenner>

Goby vs. Cucumber vs. Starfish?
Hi Bob,
Thanks for your time. I have been having green algae problems growing on the sand with my 60G fish tank with LR lately. I already have a phosphate sponge and keep phosphate to <0.03. I have been reading on the subject people are recommending me get the Golden Head Goby, a sea cucumber or sand sifting starfish. Do you have any suggestions and how many of them do I need?
Also would I have to keep the Goby in pairs?
Thanks. Brian >>
<Hmm, well, all of these might do you some good... but for my moolah, time, I'd get a member of the Salarias, Atrosalarias blennies, just one, and watch that algae disappear.
Bob Fenner>

BoDP? (PF looking for creepy crawlies)
Me again,
I was wondering if you could aim me at a good source for detritivore propagation techniques. 
<sure... the Gulf of Mexico. Thanks for asking :)>
Besides some places offering LS, I know of only 2 places offering detritivore kits ('pods, worms of various sorts, mini-brittles, etc.). 
<yes.. they are both great suppliers but scary overpriced (or rather... lack competition to keep the prices lower)>
I was thinking the market place may well be due for some more competition (once I buy that friggen' house and have room...). 
<much agreement... I have made this pitch to many upstart coral farmers that I have talked to. All this far have elected to stay hungry and farm SPS frags rather than make money in the market...heehee>
I was thinking of going to the current sources, acquiring some product, setting them up in their own dedicated culture tanks and letting nature take its course.
<helpful yes... but seriously, some fresh rock and sand from the Gulf is seriously teeming with life and targeted species>
as for the email title, I think you can figure that one out. ;)
<heehee... yep. I'm almost as smart as I look [insert joke here]>
aloha, ('cause I can't remember how to spell au revoir [?])
PF
<Hasta potato, because I'm hungry. Anthony>

Mail order
You mentioned you could mail order scavengers, who can you buy from this way. Caudill
<You can buy livestock from many mail-order or e-tailer establishments. Check our sponsors and our links page. -Steven Pro>

1st Tank - Clean up crew for my 40 gallon (UK)
Hi, <How goes it?
I've been advised by my LFS to buy his 'critter pack', what a surprise!
It consists of:
6 blue legged hermits
6 turbo snails
a choice of a brittle starfish or emerald crab.
Would this be sufficient to for my tank or too much??
<Probably not enough, and not much variety in species, either.  Check out the clean up packs at www.garf.org or www.liveaquaria.com>
I am going to stock 2 percula clowns at the same time.
<Don't add any fish until your tank is completely cycled!>
Cycling should finish in about 2 weeks time.
<Wait until then>
Thanks
Dave
<Anytime - M. Maddox>