cleanup crew for 20g

Freckles · 06-14-2002, 03:57 PM

How many crabs, snails do I need in my 20g? Right now, I just have 3 crabs. I have a few turbos and crabs still in my 125 that I can transfer over.........

Oh, and what is the best way to catch my cleaner shrimp w/o smashing him?

mapster · 06-14-2002, 04:09 PM

Freckles,

I'd go with 1 crew member per gallon (ie 5 crabs 15 snails or any other combo), but really it depend on the clean-up. Lots of algea, more critters, little algea less critters. i would start of with less and if they cant handle the situation get more. The last thing you want is 30 snails with no algea to eat.

As for catching a cleaner, mine jumps on my arm or in the net every time I stick it in the tank. If yours don't, I would use a pair of tongs with some food in one hand and the net in the other. When he goes for the food swoop him up. They go bannanas at the smell & sight of food, so I think it would work.

Freckles · 06-14-2002, 04:16 PM

Well, I must have a retard for a cleaner shrimp

He's never jumped on my arm

....... I'll try the net though.

Bingo · 06-14-2002, 07:53 PM

In my 15 Gal I have 2 small hermits, three astreas, two unidentified black and white snails, one small nassarius (sp?) snail. And one scarlet cleaner (who has never jumped on my arm). My tank stays pretty clean, I just wish something would eat the sargrassum and the small patch of green turf I am starting to grow.

Brett