clean up crew suggestions

[kettlecorn]

what are some clean up crews that would fit well in a 34 gallon tank? I am primarily looking for non aggressive or destructive so... i believe blue hermits or turbo snails are out (from what i have read the turbo snails knock over everything in their path and the blue hermits just slaughter everything)

I know there are some nas snails, cleaner shrimps as well. I might get a smaller crab but I dont' know too much about them. Are goby's considered part of the CUC family? Anything to consider when getting one?

And how many of these creatures am i looking at getting for a 34 gallon?
10 snails, 2 shrimps, 1 crab and a starfish too much?

[Zappo]

If you've got a nice fine substrate, sand sifting gobys could be considered part of the CUC. As for snails, try to get a variety. It seems like each type prefers a certain area of the tank (rocks, sand, glass). I've got margaritas, nassarius, and astraeas to cover the 3 areas.

Shrimps are my favorite members of the CUC. Peppermints do a good job of cleaning up after lights-out. Cleaner shrimp help a little too, and they're fun to watch since they come out during the day.

As far as the number goes, it seems like it's better to start small and add more if they're not able to keep their areas clean. Tossing a bunch of cleaners into a clean tank will result in some starving to death unless you feed them, and feeding the cleanup crew just feels counterproductive to me.

[jk1nole]

I agree with you on the blue legged hermits. I had to get rid of the ones I had. But, the red legged ones due a good job and leave my snails alone.

Don't be so quick to write off the turbos... they do a heck of a job. Get a couple and see what you think.

I agree though... get a variety of different snails and add a few at a time.

[blennydude]

Don't believe the hipe on murdering hermits. Snails have a protective shield that blocks off the hatch when they constrict to keep predators out. I have yet to see one of my hermits take out a snail. However when people see a hermit wearing a new shell from a dead snail they get the book thrown at them for the murder, they are scape goats. I offer mine meat when I feed my bta and they refuse it.
On second hand I don't think they are much for cleaning anyway, a couple of emeralds would be better than hermits in my opinion.
A good healthy tank w/ a variety of members does the best job, including pods, stomatellas and an old toothbrush.

[Ron Cote]

If you want to see a recommendation for critters for your size tank , go the PacificEast Aquaculture (RC Sponsor) site and look at their packages.