Cleanup Crew for Sale

Cleanup crew for sale

A cleanup crew is the team of invertebrates that keeps a reef tank tidy: snails graze algae off the glass and rock, hermit crabs and nassarius snails eat leftover food, emerald crabs pick at bubble algae, and shrimp clean up whatever else they find.

Choosing a cleanup crew

Start small and add more as algae appears: about one snail per gallon is a common rule, with a few hermits and one crab. Match the animal to the job; our guide to choosing a reef cleanup crew explains which animal eats what.

Common questions

When should I add a cleanup crew?

Once the tank has cycled and you first see algae on the glass or rock.

Are hermit crabs reef safe?

Small reef hermits such as blue legs are. Give them a few spare shells so they don't take snails' shells.