Best Deitrus

[edwar050]

what invert is the best for the buck at removing detritus, uneaten food, and waste from the bottom of aquariums?
What invert is the best for the buck at removing the brown diatoms?
I am attempting to put togeather a list of inverts for a 55 to buy from saltwater fish. I already have alot of hermits and three mexican turbos. I am wondering what you guys think about Nassarius Snail's, Cerith Snail "aren't they extemely small?", Serpent Star's, Brittle Star's, and Cleaner Shrimp.
I am attempting to create an extremely diverse invert population without having many of them eaten.
thanks,
Brad

 

[reefnut]

what invert is the best for the buck at removing detritus, uneaten food, and waste from the bottom of aquariums?
What invert is the best for the buck at removing the brown diatoms?
Queen and Fighting Conch!!

 

[wax32]

Do the conches get big enough to cause problems like knocking over rock?

 

[thomas712]

Yeah they work pretty good

 

[essop3]

another fighting conch vote

 

[yellowtail]

Originally posted by essop3
another fighting conch vote

:yes:

 

[j21kickster]

nassarius snails for smaller tanks have my vote for sure- hardy guys too- get to about an inch and are easy to feed

 

[nm reef]

All the mentioned choices can be effective...but my vote goes for diversity. The more the better. I keep a nice sized fighting conch...assorted nassarius...turbo...cerrith snails....along with assorted crabs....and I encourage the growth of healthy populations of pods....and assorted worms. The overall diversity of the critter population does the job and I'm always looking to add to the diversity both in my refugium as well as in my display.:thinking:

 

[edwar050]

Thanks guys and NM reef. I have seen your tank NM reef on the tank of the month and I have to say it rocks :happy:
I think I agree with you about diversity in invert selection. I have heard that it can be hard to mix snails and crabs. I am going to buy a 55 next week with 260 watt PC'S and 4 pepermint shrimp, soon after I will be placing an order from here and am still out as to what to get, avoid the hermits or no? I already have about 10 scarlets in my 30 long.

 

[aschlauf]

My fighting conch is one of my favorite animals in my tank right now. This morning it was totally buried in the sand except for it's eyes and mouth.

They move fast and clean the sand very well. The queens will climb on the glass but that is why I bought turbos so I stick to the fighters.
Adam:happy:

 

[nm reef]

In regard to assorted crabs....lots of people swear by either scarlets or blue legs....lots of folks swear both can be evil creatures that kill and munch desireable additions...personally...I've always kept 20 or so of each. At times they will kill/consume a snail if the need arises...they have battled with each other...but I believe they tend to operate much the same way in nature. They do a good job of cleaning up...and they have some negative aspects. Normally about every 4-6 months I tend to add several snails/crabs to replenish those lost to the daily struggles of life on the reef....and that seems to be a sort of natural process.:thinking:

 

[aschlauf]

I thought the same thing NM. I have mostly zebra and blue legs and they do occasionally fight with eachother but never kill. I have not lost any snails to them either but if I do this is a natural struggle on reefs. You can't blame these animals for their actions because that is the way of nature, the strong will survive ( I sound all Darwinistic )
These hermits will be great for your reef.