Can I go without a clean up crew?

MarkoD · #1 07-23-2013, 01:55 AM

200 gallon tank
Been running for about 2 months. Currently have 3 cleaner shrimp, a fire shrimp and a couple random snails.

What are the chances I can get away without any more cleanup crew?

Proteus · #2 07-23-2013, 02:05 AM

As long as you blow rock off and gravel vac sand should be ok.

Although cuc works 24/7. Your matenience shcedule prob not

neoh · #3 07-23-2013, 02:11 AM

what are the chances that you can't? They do a lot of work!

marie · #4 07-23-2013, 02:36 AM

If you have live rock in there then the chances are you already have a clean up crew in the form of worms, pods, and mini brittle stars and snails are highly overrated for their ability to clean up any algae

The Grizz · #5 07-23-2013, 02:37 AM

I would say no, I only had a few snails & a couple hermit crabs in my 60 gal. Hair algea was getting stupid so I added 75+ asteria snails & there going to town cleaning things up nicely.

naesco · #6 07-23-2013, 02:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkoD

200 gallon tank
Been running for about 2 months. Currently have 3 cleaner shrimp, a fire shrimp and a couple random snails.

What are the chances I can get away without any more cleanup crew?

Add a couple of the ones that multiply quickly and you should be ok.
If you have a sand bed also add a few of the sand ones as well

MarkoD · #7 07-23-2013, 03:15 AM

The reason I'm asking is that I'd like to keep a trigger

sphelps · #8 07-23-2013, 04:06 AM

There's a few triggers that are both reef safe with coral and inverts. Bluethroat and Crosshatch come to mind.

The effects of not having a proper CUC show up later in a tanks life, although adding a bunch at the start isn't wise either. I tend to add things like snails and urchins as time goes on and I notice the need for them.

MarkoD · #9 07-23-2013, 04:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sphelps

There's a few triggers that are both reef safe with coral and inverts. Bluethroat and Crosshatch come to mind.

The effects of not having a proper CUC show up later in a tanks life, although adding a bunch at the start isn't wise either. I tend to add things like snails and urchins as time goes on and I notice the need for them.

what about things like hermit crabs? should i even bother?

cuz · #10 07-23-2013, 04:11 AM

I gave up on cleaning crews a couple years ago, enough tangs keep the algae in check..