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View Full Version : starting new tank:clean-up crew necessary?


rocklion
06/05/2011, 01:58 PM
hi. i'm starting a 125 gallon reef tank soon and i was wondering if a clean-up crew is necessary?

i've seen estimate at $200 for a medium build and i'm sure it would be almost twice as expensive for a 125gallon and above.

should these creatures be added to prevent problems from the beginning? or only when trouble (aka algae) is present?


from what i've read you can't put a "partial" crew in to save cash.

how do you guys feel about it?


thanks!

raki
06/05/2011, 02:18 PM
I've had a 125 for about 7 years ....From what I remember I added hermits and snails as needed. when you first start up there really isn't anything for them to eat unless you "feed" the tank. I also add live sand and tank grunge from rock pool bottoms from time to time that gives me lots of little critters that eat all the nastiness too.



HTH

shifty51008
06/05/2011, 02:20 PM
add slowly, only add a little at a time and if they can't keep up with the extra food and algae then add a few more till you find a good blance.

IMO alot of places with prebuilt clen up crews are to many. I would just start with a 55 gal. CUC if you go prebuilt and go from there.