What is a detrivore kit?

[Apisto]

Is this an actual kit of organisms (critters) that can be purchased? Where? It is not snail/crab type kits at eTrpicals is it? Apisto

[Daveyboi]

Do a search and you'll find plenty of answers and sources for the kit...


Dave

[rlp]

Yes, it is an actual kit of organisms that can be purchased. Sometimes known as "cleanup crew". There is some debate right now as to which critters in these kits are actually beneficial. For instance, hermit crabs are not very popular anymore. Any of the sponsors of this board which sell livestock sell these.

[karlas]

crabs and snails are considerd a clean up crew excess food, alge.

a detrivore kit is a little different. i got a fauna kit from IA and it included gammarius/mysis shrimp, amphipods, copods, mini brittle stars, peppermint and trochus snails. the only diff between the fauna and det kit is their det kit included bristle worms. there are several other critters you could add also

ia det kit

ia fauna kit

here is another good site for det kits

IPSF kits

[Apisto]

Wow, that's a bundle of critters to figure out. Aside from staying away from crabs (for the most part) I am not sure what would be a reasonable selection of sand managers. Sounds like an interesting addition to the tank without the benefit of their utility.
Apisto

[karlas]

the mini brittles are cool dont see them much but when i feed the fish their arms come out to catch excess food that float by, also having a good variety of snails is a good idea different snails eat diff alges. pods, gamm, mys shrimp clean up detrius and food and make a great natural food source for you fish. the spaghetti worms are one of the best cleaners for sand and rock also a good alternative to crabs would be nassarious snails they arnt alge eaters but eat excess food also.

[Toutouche]

I can't remember the title but there was an excellant thread going around on the reef discussion section this week with lists, and opinions about what's good, and bad in a reef clean-up crew. It shuld still be nearby in that section. Try and find it, it was very informative.