Clean Up Crew For A 10 Gallon Nano

[Mr.September15]

I hate to call them a clean up crew, But I wanted to know if I can get a good clean up crew for my 10gal nano that I just started up. I wont be getting them for a couple of more weeks since I just started the cycle. But I wanted to start thinking about my choices.

 

[Mr.September15]

I was thinking on getting 2 Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp and 2 astrea snails...Is that enough or shud I plan on getting more?

 

[AMS]

Well, a little more information on your setup would help. As a general rule, there should be about one clean-up crew member per gallon, but this will differ depending on your lighting, fish stock, water source, etc. You should go for mainly snails, with shrimp and crabs being used sparingly. I would go with only one Cleaner Shrimp in a 10 gallon tank.

 

[SkiFletch]

I'd stay away from astrea snails, they can fall over and be unable to right themselves. I'd stick to Cerith and Nassarius snails if I were you. Probably 4-5 of each and a cleaner shrimp of your choice

 

[Mr.September15]

Hmm, well im not sure if they help at all but today I bought some blue legged hermit crabs. I got 4 of them and im planning to buy more snails & of course 1 cleaner shrimp (which I think is sooo over priced for a shrimp). Anywho, the current life thats in my tank are:


-2 Clownfish
-4 Blue Legged Hermit Crabs

 

[Siamese Fighter05]

I think 4 hermits may b a couple too many for a 10 gal so keep on eye on them and make sure they're getting fed.

I'd of gone with something like:

3 Nassarius
3 Cerith
2 Astrae
2 Hermits
And a cleaner shrimp

But it's your tank and your choice

 

[Mr.September15]

The LFS man told me the hermits eat anything that is left over. I fed some crushed flakes to my clowns today and im not sure if the hermits are eating it...Do they eat hikari algae pellets?

 

[SkiFletch]

The hermits will. The clowns, maybe. They're generally not too attracted to vegetable matter in my experience

 

[ebliss1]

I'm in a similar situation. I have a 12 gallon that I need to add a cleaner crew to. I have a turbo snail and 2 scarlet hermit crabs now. I was thinking of adding a coral banded shrimp, and emerald crab, 3 more snails (types available for feedback) and 3 more hermit crabs. Will that be sufficient for a 12 gallon nano with about 10 pounds of live rock? Do I need/can I have a brittle starfish as well?

 

[Ranger]

This forum is just Ripe for Hijacking haha. I have the same question for my 25 gallon actually . So I was just thinking of doubling whatever you told Mr. September to get. Just FYI I'm planning on stocking 2 Perc. Clowns, watchmon goby/pistol shrimp. W/ a cleaner shrimp to start off the crew.

 

[Mr.September15]

This forum is just Ripe for Hijacking haha. I have the same question for my 25 gallon actually . So I was just thinking of doubling whatever you told Mr. September to get. Just FYI I'm planning on stocking 2 Perc. Clowns, watchmon goby/pistol shrimp. W/ a cleaner shrimp to start off the crew.

LOL, Hi jack all you want. This was made before my 10gallon cracked and spilled now I have a 30gallon.

 

[Ranger]

Ah.... just checked the OP date... October. Anyways, how about my tank? 25gal cleanup crew?

 

[SkiFletch]

5 Cerith Snail
5 Nassarius Snail
5 Scarlet hermits (aka redlegs)
2 Trochus Snail
1 Mexican Turbo Snail
1 Dwarf Brittlestar
1 Cleaner shrimp

 

[Ranger]

5 Cerith Snail
5 Nassarius Snail
5 Scarlet hermits (aka redlegs)
2 Trochus Snail
1 Mexican Turbo Snail
1 Dwarf Brittlestar
1 Cleaner shrimp

WOW! that sounds fun! How long should I have my tank cycle before adding them? Just whenever the the tests say the water is ok? Add all at once? Or get them a few at a time?

 

[SkiFletch]

Get the skimmer sorted first, cause the crew will not be happy with microbubbles everywhere. After that, pretty much once your chemistry is stettled the crew can go in