Feedback on a clean-up crew for 180g

[Briskee]

I've got a 180g tank and looking to restock my clean-up crew. I haven't had much luck with Turbo snails. They don't seem to last verify long in my tank. I'm thinking about ordering the list below. Do you think this will service my tank?

(2) Hermit crabs
(6-10) Nassarius snails
(10-15) Black Foot Trochus snails
(2) Emerald Crabs
(2) Pom Pom Crabs

I alredy have two Urchins and some assorted snails, but not many. Thanks!

 

[reefsaver]

Hermit Crabs (2):
Hermit crabs are excellent scavengers but be mindful that they can sometimes prey on snails for their shells.
Nassarius Snails (6-10):
Nassarius snails are great for stirring the sand bed and eating detritus and leftover food. They bury themselves in the substrate, helping to keep it aerated.
Black Foot Trochus Snails (10-15):
Trochus snails are hardy and efficient algae eaters. They can right themselves if they fall over, unlike some other snails.
Emerald Crabs (2):
Emerald crabs are good at eating algae, especially bubble algae. They can occasionally become opportunistic feeders, so monitor them.
Pom Pom Crabs (2):
Pom Pom crabs are interesting additions and can help with some small-scale scavenging, though they are not as efficient as some other options.
Existing Clean-Up Crew:
Urchins (2):
Urchins are effective algae eaters but ensure they have enough to eat, as they can also munch on coralline algae and sometimes even soft corals if hungry.
Additional Suggestions:
Cerith Snails:
Cerith snails are excellent for consuming detritus, diatoms, and leftover food. They also help aerate the substrate.
Astrea Snails:
Astrea snails are great algae eaters, but they can’t right themselves if they fall over, so they need occasional checking.
Cleaner Shrimp:
Cleaner shrimp, like the Skunk Cleaner Shrimp, can help with detritus and provide a cleaning service to your fish.
Dwarf Blue Leg Hermit Crabs:
These are smaller hermit crabs that are less likely to attack snails for their shells and are good at cleaning up algae and detritus.
General Tips:
Acclimation: Proper acclimation is crucial for the survival of your new clean-up crew members. Use a drip acclimation method to slowly introduce them to your tank's water parameters.
Provide Extra Shells: For hermit crabs, ensure there are plenty of extra shells available to reduce the likelihood of them attacking snails for their shells.
Monitor Interactions: Keep an eye on how different species interact, especially crabs, as they can sometimes become opportunistic feeders.
Diversity: A diverse clean-up crew can tackle a wider range of algae and detritus, keeping your tank cleaner and more balanced.
Your current proposed clean-up crew should be effective in maintaining the cleanliness of your tank. Just ensure you monitor their health and behavior, and adjust as needed based on the specific needs and conditions of your aquarium.

 

[REEFRIED!]

I think that list is small. I know adding CUC and just watching them die is ridiculous, but necessary. That size system you should be spending $400+ per year on CUC. I would add 50+ trochus snails, 25+ hermits, and maybe 10 Mexican turbos to your list.

 

[Dbichler]

I suggest going to reef cleaners and getting the diverse clean up crew for a 90 gallon package. $100 and you get way more than needed.

 

[TheStrangler]

This is a personal preference, but consider pithos crabs instead of emeralds. I've never had emeralds, but I've read that pithos do everything that emeralds do and more and are a little safer in the fringe case. I have had pithos and enjoyed having them.

 

[Briskee]

Thanks for the info. Appreciate the details!

 

[exnisstech]

Doesn't matter how many snails, crabs or urchins I add I always have gha unless I keep a yellow or bristletooth tooth tang or several if enough space. One of the reasons I'm starting to dislikes small tanks. I have one too small for a tang and it's a constant battle.
If you go with a cleaner package be aware Dwarf cirith are very small. When I added some they were constant crawling in my powerheads and locking them up.