Time to add a clean up crew ?

[Steve 926]

Hello to all

When is it a good time to add a clean up crew to a new tank.
The cycling has finished for now & the brown diatom growth is starting to appear. Should I wait for a good growth of the diatom, or let it pass until it's gone to add a crew
Any suggestions as to what, & how many to add to a 50 gal with a sump. Great growth in the sump already under a 6500k daylight with some chaeto, on a 12 /12 on / off cycle.

All coments are appreciated :D

Steve 926

:smokin:

[chris31]

umm you can add them now if you want there not going to make the problem go away but it will make the tank look better for now until the diatoms pass.As far as what to add thats a whole nother world in it self you want something that is going to take care of all levels in your tank(sand rock glass ex) hermits are a great choice red legs do great,people say that hermits attack snails for there shells but ive never had a problem.Turbos are a great snail to get theres just so many choices out there you can look on liveaquira and see all of them on there and what they all do.

[flyguy7150]

i had that problem not too long ago, got a cleanup crew and cleaned up everything within 5 days or so. My crew consisted of mexican turbos, 3 large, like 15 smaller ones, about 10 blue leg hermits, less now, found 2 dead. Hermit on hermit crime. Also recently added some nassarius snails, about 10 to keep my sand bed clean.

[Steve 926]

Thanks flyguy7150

I was wondering what they will eat when the diatom's are almost gone ( Each Other:eek2: ) I don't know if I should wait for a good growth, or start the crew now.

Steve 926

:smokin:

[flyguy7150]

i would start em now as long as your ammonias, nitrates, etc.. are zero

[drummereef]

Wait until your ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate are all 0. Then you can add your cleanup crew. ;)

[Steve 926]

^