the best clean up mix

[justinl]

Alright the title is pretty self-explanatory. What do you guys think is the best mix in terms of hermits, snails, cucumbers, stars, whatever for a clean up crew? I would like a mix that would PREVENT blooms of algae/diatoms/slime from becoming a problem. remember people: action, instead of reaction.

[muck]

What you are keeping in your FOWLR tank? Will help us make recommendations.

[howdy20012002]

the size of your tank would be helpful as well

[Scavenger]

Another factor would be getting a cleanup crew for algaes and nasties exsiting in your tank. If you get a critter for a problem you don't have, it might just starve.

[justinl]

The tank is a 60 gal acrylic with 2 inches of oolitic sand. 20 lbs live rock (Ill add more when I can afford it). Has a mantis shrimp and a couple of damsels. Ill add more fish in the future too.

[howdy20012002]

well, the mantis shrimp pretty much rules out any cleaning crew at all.
the shrimp will appreciate lunch...an expensive one at that of pretty much anything that you put in there.
You may want to rethink having it in the tank..or be prepared to have algae.
this is my opinion and experience at least.
HTH
Neal

[justinl]

hahaha I know very well that the mantis will likely make a good meal of the crew but disregarding that factor...

although now you mention it, shrimp would definitely be too easy for a mantis so scratch them from the list. I would also prefer thicker shelled crustaceans too but I won't be too picky either.