jbird82

I have a 55g saltwater tank with live rock. If i wanted to switch out some of my fish would you think it wise to pull out the rock and fish, then put the rock back in and add the new fish with old at the same time? (Just, something I heard.) Also, what is your take on a "clean up crew". My fish dealer dislikes them. "How much can those little crabs and snails clean up? Then they die and you end up with a bunch of shells in your tank." I can see that side of the coin but on the flip good things can come in small packages. Bottomline do the make a difference or not. If they do make a difference how many are needed for a 55g tank? Either way I think they are a fun addition. Thank you for any input.

J

sgould

If you are worried about your existing fish attacking new comers to defend territory, then you might want to take them out and rearrange the rock again before putting them back in, along with their new tankmates.

Clean up crews are a very good idea. The types and numbers depend somewhat on what kind of tank you have (fish only? reef?), what kind of lighting you have, and how long it is on. In my 30 gallon tank, I have 8 blue leg hermits, 3 cerith snails, 4 nassarius snails, and 7 astrea snails. In all honesty, I should probably have a few more, but reguardless for a 55 gallon you would need quite a few. The astreas are good for cleaning film algae off of rocks and tank sides, the ceriths do the same and also help stir the substrate, the nassarius also keep the substrate stirred, and the hermits help control hair algae and excess food/detritus build up. Of course, there are other options as well...this is just what I have.

sirdarksol

I don't know about the first question, but, without a doubt, sgould is right about the cleanup crew. Yes, there is the need to remove shells when critters die, but without the cleanup crew, you've got algae growing on surfaces that you can't even reach, you've got substrate that needs to be manually stirred, bits of food, as well as dead stuff from the live rock goes uneaten and begins to rot. I can't imagine even a freshwater tank without a cleanup crew of some sort (I prefer shrimp and snails in freshwater). In a saltwater that has more than just fish, not having a cleanup crew could end up being disastrous.

agsansoo

I have very little algae in my tank. I only have two large Turbo Grazer Snails. Never a speck of algae. Also my Yellow Tang is a cleanup crew all by himself. LOL Always pecking at the rocks.

sgould

Ever have any trouble with him picking at corals, or does he behave himself?

agsansoo

He's a model citizen.