Cleanup crew choices?

[Timbor]

Hi guys,

I'm just re-setting up my tank after a short leave of absence, and I was wondering what the consensus is for the amount of cleanup crew needed.

I know that some of the retailers suggest 1-2 snails per gallon and/or 1 hermit per gallon or so, but to me that seems like it could be a bit overkill.

Any suggestions? My display is a 35 gal. I have about 1-1.5" of sugar-sized aragonite sand, and will probably end up with around 40lbs of live rock.

I will eventually have about 5 or 6 small fish (<3" max size each), and will be keeping mostly soft corals as I am running VHO lights.

Thanks!

Tim

[demonsp]

Start with a few margaritas and some hermits then add more as you add stock. No sand sifters for a few more weeks as they need more mature SB.

[thor32766]

i love my hermits and love the snails.

[nvmy22s]

if it helps any, in my 45 gal with 5 fish, i have about 3 large turbo's 5 margaritas 5 nurseries an 4-5 hermits and small ss star. they seem to keep up with everything and i feed kinda heavy.

[Timbor]

Well, thats pretty helpful. Some of the online vendors I have been checking out "recommend" like about 1 snail per gallon and 1 hermit per gallon.

As per nvmy22s's tank, he has much less than that. He seems to have more on the line of 1 snail/ 3 gallons or so and 1 hermit per 10 gallons or so.

What would you guys recommend for the best types of snails and hermits to keep the rocks and glass free of algae?

Thanks,

Tim

[sabbath]

None for me. They just knock stuff over. The snails just leave tracks on the glass. I really don't see what cuc's do.

[demonsp]

Take your time with CUC. Decrease load on your system and your situation may require more of one or something not listed in there generic list. You may need more algea eaters or more sandsfiters. Dont ever get more then 2 or 3 turbos is that many as they knock things over.

[nvmy22s]

i actually have more trouble with my hermits popping up under frag disks and moving them, then i do the turbos.

[Timbor]

Ok, I will definitely take my time and see what my system needs.

As for snails and hermits, which kinds would you recommend most?

Thanks,

Tim