Help with C.U.C.

[StartrTank]

How do I determine the size of the clean up crew I need? Is it based on the size of the tank? The amount of fish and coral I plan on keeping?

Also, I've read several posts where people advise against crabs in the tank.... doesn this go for all crabs? I see many Clean Up Crew packages which include at least one type of crab (like the Sally Lightfoot Crab or the Emerald Crab). Should I just stay away from these packs and just select my own crew? Snails, hermit crabs, shrimp... anything else that is a good cleaner? And again, how do I know how many I should get?

[fishhuman]

What size tank do you have? I would suggest starting low on the CUC and adding more members if you need them. Stay away from all crabs besides hermits because they have been known to eat fish

[StartrTank]

Okay, that's what I figured but wanted to ask to be sure. I have a 55g hexagon tank w/ 20g sump. I have somewhere around 50-60 lbs of LR in the DT and another 5-10 lbs in my sump (fuge).

So this is what I was thinking to start, what are your thoughts....?

1 Peppermint Shrimp
1 Banded Coral Shrimp
2 Electric Blue Hermit Crabs
@10 Turbo Grazer Snails

Also, how about a feather duster?

[GMay]

I would check reefcleaners.org. They hav some good information and have excellent product.

I got a CUC from them and got more than I expected.

[Xavibear]

Okay, that's what I figured but wanted to ask to be sure. I have a 55g hexagon tank w/ 20g sump. I have somewhere around 50-60 lbs of LR in the DT and another 5-10 lbs in my sump (fuge).

So this is what I was thinking to start, what are your thoughts....?

1 Peppermint Shrimp
1 Banded Coral Shrimp
2 Electric Blue Hermit Crabs
@10 Turbo Grazer Snails

Also, how about a feather duster?

The coral banded shrimp can eat fish & the hermit crabs will eat your snails. Imo a variety snails is the best way to start with your cleanup crew. Nassarius, cerith & trochus snails are my favorites. From there things can be added as needed.

Even though they are filter feeders I've never considered a feather duster part of a clean up crew. I've always though of them as being ornamental.

[Spyderturbo007]

10 Turbo Snails is going to be way too much. I used to have 2 and then one died from lack of food. The other is the size of a Volkswagon and I couldn't imagine how it would be with 10 of them in there. :)

I would get 1 turbo, some Nassarious & Cerith snails.

[StartrTank]

Okay, thank you. That's what I wasn't sure on, how big a crew I needed. So my LR came with 3 decent size turbo snails, all are doing well. Think I could add a peppermint shrimp and call it a day? I guess I could always add more if I needed them.

[Xavibear]

Add more snails, nassarius & cerith.

[StartrTank]

Will do, thank you! Sorry if these questions seem like they should be common sense. There is still a ton I need to learn; although I have to say, I rather enjoy learning it all.