Re: Cleanup Crew?
qhrisnd said:
pH: 8.4
Ammonia: 0.2
Nitrates: 40
Nitrites: 1-1.5
Specific Gravity: 1.021
Your a ways off from a clean up crew just yet. The tank still needs about 2-3 weeks more cycle time from what I can see. Once ammonia and nitrite reach zero
on their own, the tank is effectively cycled. You then just need to do a large water change (up to 50%) to get the chem back in line and reduce the nitrates that would have built up.
For any tank containing inverts, you really should boost the
SG towards 1.025 or if you have a refractometer, target 35
ppt. Now would be the best time to do so since there's nothing in the tank to harm.
Would this be a good "cleanup crew"?
1 Lawnmower Blenny (S 1.5"-2")
5 Turbo Grazer Snails
4 Bumble Bee Snails
1 Emerald Crab OR 1 Sally Lightfoot Crab
8 Red Leg Hermit Crabs
As for this, in the beginning I would stick to simple invert species. The lawnmower is not a good first fish nor a good "clean up" animal. The turbo's are good but by far the best detritus/carion consumer will be nassarius snails. Bumblebee's are strictly carion for the most part and have no interest in algaes contrary to popular belief. They'd eat other snails before the algae. Other good snail additions would be cerith, trochus, margarita and/or nerite.
As far as crabs, not a big fan of them myself. They are opportunistic omnivors that wouldn't hesitate at eating the things yoiu want along with what you don't want. With the right mix of snails and proper maintenace, things with claws shouldn't be needed.
Cheers
Steve