My LFS is doing a deal on inverts. I have a question.

[Andreas' Reef]

So my lfs is doing a deal on clean up crew packs which are like packs of a few snails and hermit crabs. I want to know which back is better for hair algae clean up.

Pack one:

• Trochus x3
• Nassarius x2
• Emerald Crab x1

Pack Two:

• Astraea x3
• Margarita x2
• Dwarf Red Tipped Hermit x3

Which one would be better for hair algae consumption?

 

[StatelineReefer]

Pack 2. Although both are great packs. Pack 1 is a generalist pack that will keep your glass and sand clean, and has a crab you can leave at the store.

Pack 2 has your rock and glass cleaners, as well as hermit crabs to eat them for their shells...


Don't mind me, I'm anti-crab. If it's got claws, it's got flaws.

 

[Andreas' Reef]

Pack 2. Although both are great packs. Pack 1 is a generalist pack that will keep your glass and sand clean, and has a crab you can leave at the store.

Pack 2 has your rock and glass cleaners, as well as hermit crabs to eat them for their shells...


Don't mind me, I'm anti-crab. If it's got claws, it's got flaws.

I have a plethora of extra shells of different sizes so hopefully that will help.

 

[mdb_talon]

Out of the two packs I would choose the second mostly because in my opinion margarita snails are the best of ones in these packs for hair algae.

 

[NoohpyT]

I have a plethora of extra shells of different sizes so hopefully that will help.

I've had no issues with my scarlet hermits killing my snails, but you never know it can be a matter of time lol

 

[StatelineReefer]

I have a plethora of extra shells of different sizes so hopefully that will help.

Every hermit crab when it meets a snail...

 

[Andreas' Reef]

Out of the two packs I would choose the second mostly because in my opinion margarita snails are the best of ones in these packs for hair algae.

Also 2 is about 3 quarters the price of pack 1. plus you get more individual animals.

 

[flashsmith]

Aren't Margarita snails a cold water species that adapts poorly to tropical temps and has a high mortality rate? I've never kept them for that reason.

 

[Andreas' Reef]

Aren't Margarita snails a cold water species that adapts poorly to tropical temps and has a high mortality rate? I've never kept them for that reason.

They do better in colder environments but they do adapt in warmer environments in my experience. They just live a little less longer and don't breed.

 

[flashsmith]

For hair algae Mexican turbos can't be beat. I've got 6 golf ball sized ones that keep my reefer 625 spotless. I've had them for over 2 years.

 

[mdb_talon]

Aren't Margarita snails a cold water species that adapts poorly to tropical temps and has a high mortality rate? I've never kept them for that reason.

Never had any issues with them myself.

 

[mdb_talon]

For hair algae Mexican turbos can't be beat. I've got 6 golf ball sized ones that keep my reefer 625 spotless. I've had them for over 2 years.

I would argue abalones, urchins, and money cowries are better bets but sadly none of those are options he gave

 

[Rico's Reefnecks]

In my limited experience, while emerald crabs do a good job on algae they have a knack for finding the most expensive coral you own and having a midnight snack. Especially euphyllia.

 

[freepizza80]

How big is your tank and how old? As you'll learn that small packs like these won't really do much when your tank start to mature. Check out reefcleaners website for great deals on clean up crew.

 

[Andreas' Reef]

How big is your tank and how old? As you'll learn that small packs like these won't really do much when your tank start to mature. Check out reefcleaners website great deals on clean up crew.

Hey, my tank is 1 year old and it is 32 gallons.

 

[kevgib67]

Personally, I’d skip the pack and get what you need for the problem you have. Tuxedo urchin, trochus snails, turbo snails, emerald crabs and a mix of red and blue legged hermits.

 

[Udest]

margaritas and Mexican turbos are great they do really great if you run your tanks at lower temps like around 72 that's where i run mine.