Algae Cleaner Packs - Aquarium Advice

DodgeRT · 01-03-2008, 10:33 AM

Has anyone ever ordered an Algea Cleaner Pack (Crabs, Snails, etc) from any of the online vendors?

If so, who through and did you like it?

When they arrive, what special considerations are there before placing them in your tank?

**roka64** · 01-03-2008, 10:52 AM

IMO, those "starter packs" are too large for a new tank that they have each one rated for. You may want to look at a smaller package, since there might not be enough for them to eat in a new tank. I think it is best to start off small and add to them as I go along. I would look at the clean up crew packs and see if your LFS has a similar variety, just get fewer of them. I like to acclimate my inverts for at least 2 hours.

austinsdad · 01-03-2008, 10:54 AM

First off, if it's cold down there, I'd delay until warmer weather for shipping inverts especially.

Most importantly, those "packs" are intended to be the full compliment of cleaners for a very mature tank. Otherwise, lots of those critters will starve.

Tell us a bit about your tank set up. qty of rocks, type of substrate, age of the tank, other inhabitants. Any inverts in there now? How many?

How's your nitrate readings?

Check articles on acclimation procedures. Can't just drop those in the tank.

**roka64** · 01-03-2008, 11:03 AM

The articles haven't been migrated over to the new servers just yet, but should be soon....

DodgeRT · 01-03-2008, 11:05 AM

I agree, definitely not for a new tank. I guess I should have stated that this is not a new tank. I bought it already setup from a friend of mine, but he sold all the livestock before I purchased it. There is definitely plenty of algae in there for them to eat but not out of control but I do need to get a crew in there soon. I checked with my LFS but they are way over priced on that type of stuff and carry a very limited stock.

DodgeRT · 01-03-2008, 11:09 AM

The tank (live rock and sand) is about 4 years old and well established. I have had it in my house for around 3 months now with only a clown fish and anemone in it, both are doing great so there is little bio load on the system as I am a firm believer in adding things very slowly to acclimate. All readings are fine.

**roka64** · 01-03-2008, 11:22 AM

Ok, cool. What size is your tank?

**melosu58** · 01-03-2008, 11:36 AM

The cleaners are OK but try these tips to get rid of algea in the tank.

http://www.fantasyreef.com/database/...d=11&item_id=5

DodgeRT · 01-03-2008, 11:47 AM

It's a 75gal.

austinsdad · 01-03-2008, 11:58 AM

Keep in mind that since your'e not feeding much (with only a clown and anenome), you won't need a large crew. How much rock in there BTW.

I'd say get 20 or so snails:nassarius-5, mexican turbos-8, astrea-8, maybe and 25 or so hermits. Red legs are nice IMO.

Might consider a brittle or serpent star also. Stay away from the green brittle. Big and mean. If the nitrates are consistently in order, might try 3 cleaner shrimp also. I tend to prefer the blood red. They ALWAYS outlive the skunk cleaners.

This time of year, I'd be afraid of mail order and consider that smaller quantity from your lfs unitl the weather warms.

01-03-2008, 10:33 AM	#1
DodgeRT Aquarium Advice Regular Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Camp Lejeune, NC Posts: 99 Images: 10	Algae Cleaner Packs Has anyone ever ordered an Algea Cleaner Pack (Crabs, Snails, etc) from any of the online vendors? If so, who through and did you like it? When they arrive, what special considerations are there before placing them in your tank?

01-03-2008, 10:52 AM	#2
roka64 Aquarium Advice Addict Community Moderator Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 10,245 Images: 12	IMO, those "starter packs" are too large for a new tank that they have each one rated for. You may want to look at a smaller package, since there might not be enough for them to eat in a new tank. I think it is best to start off small and add to them as I go along. I would look at the clean up crew packs and see if your LFS has a similar variety, just get fewer of them. I like to acclimate my inverts for at least 2 hours. __________________ Uh-oh, I just overloaded my Bioload! Questions loved, heeded advice greatly appreciated! Vote for AA Good reading about: Nitrogen Cycle Fishless Cycling Need more help? Articles Acronym List --Scott

01-03-2008, 10:54 AM	#3
austinsdad Aquarium Advice Addict Community Mentor Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Clinton, Maryland Posts: 3,923 Images: 12	First off, if it's cold down there, I'd delay until warmer weather for shipping inverts especially. Most importantly, those "packs" are intended to be the full compliment of cleaners for a very mature tank. Otherwise, lots of those critters will starve. Tell us a bit about your tank set up. qty of rocks, type of substrate, age of the tank, other inhabitants. Any inverts in there now? How many? How's your nitrate readings? Check articles on acclimation procedures. Can't just drop those in the tank. __________________ -Ray- "Life may not be the party we hoped for but while we are here we might as well dance!"

01-03-2008, 11:03 AM	#4
roka64 Aquarium Advice Addict Community Moderator Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 10,245 Images: 12	The articles haven't been migrated over to the new servers just yet, but should be soon.... __________________ Uh-oh, I just overloaded my Bioload! Questions loved, heeded advice greatly appreciated! Vote for AA Good reading about: Nitrogen Cycle Fishless Cycling Need more help? Articles Acronym List --Scott

01-03-2008, 11:22 AM	#7
roka64 Aquarium Advice Addict Community Moderator Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 10,245 Images: 12	Ok, cool. What size is your tank? __________________ Uh-oh, I just overloaded my Bioload! Questions loved, heeded advice greatly appreciated! Vote for AA Good reading about: Nitrogen Cycle Fishless Cycling Need more help? Articles Acronym List --Scott

01-03-2008, 11:05 AM	#5
DodgeRT Aquarium Advice Regular Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Camp Lejeune, NC Posts: 99 Images: 10	I agree, definitely not for a new tank. I guess I should have stated that this is not a new tank. I bought it already setup from a friend of mine, but he sold all the livestock before I purchased it. There is definitely plenty of algae in there for them to eat but not out of control but I do need to get a crew in there soon. I checked with my LFS but they are way over priced on that type of stuff and carry a very limited stock.

01-03-2008, 11:09 AM	#6
DodgeRT Aquarium Advice Regular Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Camp Lejeune, NC Posts: 99 Images: 10	The tank (live rock and sand) is about 4 years old and well established. I have had it in my house for around 3 months now with only a clown fish and anemone in it, both are doing great so there is little bio load on the system as I am a firm believer in adding things very slowly to acclimate. All readings are fine.

01-03-2008, 11:36 AM	#8
melosu58 SW 10 yrs and over Community Moderator Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Richmond Va Posts: 12,007 Images: 73	The cleaners are OK but try these tips to get rid of algea in the tank. http://www.fantasyreef.com/database/...d=11&item_id=5 __________________ View My Tanks Click here to Visit FantasyReef

01-03-2008, 11:47 AM	#9
DodgeRT Aquarium Advice Regular Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Camp Lejeune, NC Posts: 99 Images: 10	It's a 75gal.

01-03-2008, 11:58 AM	#10
austinsdad Aquarium Advice Addict Community Mentor Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Clinton, Maryland Posts: 3,923 Images: 12	Keep in mind that since your'e not feeding much (with only a clown and anenome), you won't need a large crew. How much rock in there BTW. I'd say get 20 or so snails:nassarius-5, mexican turbos-8, astrea-8, maybe and 25 or so hermits. Red legs are nice IMO. Might consider a brittle or serpent star also. Stay away from the green brittle. Big and mean. If the nitrates are consistently in order, might try 3 cleaner shrimp also. I tend to prefer the blood red. They ALWAYS outlive the skunk cleaners. This time of year, I'd be afraid of mail order and consider that smaller quantity from your lfs unitl the weather warms. __________________ -Ray- "Life may not be the party we hoped for but while we are here we might as well dance!"

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