Cleanup Crew

[polok121]

So here are my specs; ammonia 0, nitrite 0, nitrate 20mg. Its been 3 1/2 weeks and i have what looks like algae growing....Its brownish and its on the sand bed and some building on the glass. Algae right? that must mean my cycle is complete right? are my levels good? and as far as cleanup crew what should i get? I heard snails can get out, is that true? thanks for the advice

 

[jennybugs]

Hi. I'm fairly new to marine tanks (but not fishkeeping) but I started off with astrea snails (sold incorrectly as turbo snails) to combat the brown diatom algae attack Is your tank covered? None of my snails have got out yet :lol:

I chose snails in preference to hermit crabs purely because they're my favourites.

I didn't get too bad an attack - it's slowly subsiding some 2 months plus into the start up of the tank (I started mine in September - see the slightly nano section for pics) but the fact that it's there is a good sign

 

[TimSchmidt]

I personally don't think I will ever buy another astrea. (they work well, I just have had it in my 90 gallon) They seem to taunt me by tipping over and not being able to right them selves. I am now a fan of the "super tonga" nassarius snails as they are great in the sand bed. I have margarita snails too (although I've heard they are from cooler waters...mine do GREAT on glass and rock and are still around) and a couple trochus (sp?) snails, big and beefy - do a great job but a bit big for our nanos.

Things sound ok, water change time and add in the "crew" (i like hermits, but they can and will kill snails for shells)

 

[jennybugs]

I do keep an eye on my astreas ( The Allstars) and I have a sand conch too. He's really great at turning over the sand. Amazing nose and eyes :lol:

Nassarius are on my list actually. Am I right in thinking they actually live 'in' the sand turning it over well?

 

[TimSchmidt]

Yes. Just do yourself a favor and read up on "whelks" before buying nassarius snails as some times whelks are sold as nassarius snails.