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rush07
01/24/2007, 10:32 AM
Well, my tank has been cycled now for a couple of weeks. Am. and Nitrites are at 0 and my Nitrates are between 0-5. It is a 65 Gallon (36X18X24) tank with 100 lbs. of Live Rock and 1-2 inches of Live Sand as Substrate. There are several online stores that offer Clean up Packs but all seem to be a little different. Which of these would work best?Any to avoid?

Option 1) Package Includes: (Aquatic Connection)
- 14 Scarlet Reef Hermits
- 24 Astrea Snails
- 2 Emerald Crabs
- 3 Sea Cucumbers
- 3 Horseshoe Crabs
- 3 Colored Serpant Stars
- 6 Nassarius Snails
- 1 Coral Banded Shrimp
- 2 Queen Conch
- 1 Arrow Crab
- 1 Tiger Sand Star

Option 2) (Blue Zoo Aquatics)
-Astraea Snails 18
-Cerrith Snails 14
-Onyx Nassarius Snails 12
-Nerite Snails 8
-Mexican Turbo Snails 3
-Red Leg Hermit Crab 25
-Scarlet Hermit Crab 8

Option 3) (Saltwaterfish.com)
-Scarlet Hermit Crab: 20
-Blueleg Hermit Crab: 20
-Nasssarius Snail: 10
-Emerald Crab: 5
-Coral Banded Shrimp: 1
-Sally Lightfoot Crab: 1
-Turbo/Astrea Snail: 20
-Cleaner Clam: 2

I am leaning toward option 3 as it seems to be the most cost effective ($100). Any input would be appreciated.

Sepeku
01/24/2007, 11:29 AM
Don't forget live aquaria. :P

turbo2oh
01/24/2007, 11:58 AM
i vote for option 2

Ritten
01/24/2007, 12:01 PM
Another vote for 2

rush07
01/24/2007, 12:05 PM
Live Aquaria offers the following Pack:

Trochus Snail 15
Super Tongan Nassarius Snail 11
Cerith Snail 22
Scarlet Reef Hermit Crab 18

Is there anything I should avoid in any of these? Will they pretty much all give me the same results?

doliver
01/24/2007, 12:24 PM
Most tend to favor cleaner crews that are heavy on snails and light on hermits, as many types of hermits will eventually kill snails to steal their shells and you'll start to lose your crew. On the other hand, snails will make more snails and increase your population instead. So I'd say package #2 as well.

Also check out ReeferMadness for good snail-centric cleaning crews.

lpkirby
01/24/2007, 12:25 PM
I like number 2 except for all the crabs, not a big fan of them because of my SPS's. I do have a few red legs but that is about it.

rush07
01/24/2007, 01:29 PM
It also looks like the Onyx Nassarius Snails are cold water snails and won't fair too well in the tank. I am now thinking of ordering them all separatly. Does this look about right?

-Astraea Snails 25
-Cerrith Snails 25
-Nerite Snails 8
-Red Leg Hermit Crab 5
-Scarlet Hermit Crab 5
-Peppermint Shrimp 5

rush07
01/24/2007, 05:00 PM
bump

Octoberfest
01/24/2007, 05:42 PM
I'd add some Trochus snails, I've always had GREAT luck with them.