Will my cleaners starve?

lobzilla

lobzilla

New Member
When i originally got a cleaner pack for my tank, there was plenty of algae growing for them to eat. That was picked clean in a matter of 4 days. There is very little algae growing now, save for a small film on the glass that gets worked over pretty well. I do start to have some deep green and purple growing on the live rocks, which i am hoping they DON'T eat because it looks pretty nice.
I am afraid my cleaners may starve. Is there enough stuff in the tank I cant see that will sustain them? It's a 29g with about 28lbs of rock total. There are a total of 36 cleaners(cerith,tonga,narissius,scarlet leg). I don't want the scarlets to turn on the snails, or vice-versa. I had considered feeding more often for a little extra waste build-up, but wasn't sure if it had gotten to that point yet. Also, maybe a different type of pellet food that sinks, so it is more readily available to them? Any suggesstions welcome.
And if you are wondering why i have so many snails and such, it was a 'reef cleaner pack' designed for a 30g tank. I thought it was a bit much myself, but who am i to argue?
Thanks for all your help!
 
angrycrab

angrycrab

Member
From what I have been told, through the course of nature, they will be fine. Through death and carnage the will thin out to right number for you tank and mantain that level.
 
stanlalee

stanlalee

Active Member
well some of those cleaners are omnivores (cerith, scarlets anyway). If you have fish and you feed they will eat. Like said if you have too many within several months you'll have just the right amount. I started with about 20 hermits and now am at a stable population of about 10 give or take a few. I started with 10 astrea snails and 3 or 4 have met their death likely falling over and not being able to turn back over. Never the less a few hermits are walking around in astrea snail shells now.
 
spectre879

spectre879

Member
First...The carnage in not for enjoyment, it's nature and a little cruel considering these animals are being forced to exist inside of a inescapable box. Care, appreciation, and effection sould always be given to them.
Second...if the crabs are agressive and you have fish that swim and rest on the tank bed, the crabs could turn on the fish. It has happened to me.
 
lobzilla

lobzilla

New Member
Easy with the lecture tonto. It was a joke. I obviously don't want to spend money on things to watch them get eaten. If i'm spending money on food, you better believe i'm the one eating it.
 
moby

moby

Member
If i'm spending money on food, you better believe i'm the one eating it.
He he, I knew you would get around to trying those hogknuckles sooner or later!

Moby
 
lobzilla

lobzilla

New Member
My boy Moby!
I think i'm gonna get together with angry crab and we are gonna try this hog knuckle thing in honor of you. Heck if we don't like it i bet the scarlet legs will...... :thinking:
 
angrycrab

angrycrab

Member
moby can you provide us with any tips on how to cook them, and have you ever had turkey neck??
Also Like Lob said, i think its pretty normal to overstock the cleaning crew a bit, they will work it out, like you said, its nature.
 
moby

moby

Member
Smoked ones are actually pretty good, its definately finger food.
Serve on the side with the cleaner crew that doesn't make it! JK
I doubt you will find them unless you have some good ethnic stores around. I buy the smoked ones(ask for ham hocks) and then cook them with collard greens seasoned with salt/ pepper and a dash of tabasco, thats it!
Remember this is "soul food" and aint fancy, but IMO about as good as it gets.

Oh, and chase with cold beer, best eaten while sitting on the porch with good friends! Sorry I can't come up there and have some with you.

Mmmmmm, good ole boy heaven!
Moby
 
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