stocking question

[Der_Iron_Chef]

I agree with Ron. I'd get a much smaller clean-up crew. First on my list to go would be the hermit crabs! They can be kind of fun to watch, but can also be quite meddlesome...especially when they get bigger

I would think you could add the frags and clowns at the same time, no problem...assuming your cycling is over.

[Melina]

My tank has been up and running with the live rock for exactly one month.
The reason I want the crabs is because I've got an algae problem... I want this green filamentous algae GONE... but maybe if I get the urchin I don't need them?

[ron101]

Even if the hermits do go to work on the algae, they probably won't be a long term solution. They usually kill each other off till there are an ineffectual few left. Then the algae just comes back.

I've never had an urchin but if it has a taste for algae, it is probably a better long term solution. Maybe plan for one or more herbivore fish to be added down the road.

Also keep in mind that your tank is relatively new. Several months from now it will have stabilized more and you will have a better idea of how much algae it will grow and you can change your approach accordingly (more skimming, refugium w/macro algae, new critters, etc)

[Salmon King]

when you mix crabs and snails the crab always wins.I would go with one or the other.Save you money in the long run.As for everything else should be no problem.

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

I think that your cleanup crew wish list is too big as well. That many hermit crabs will make short work of your snails once they become hungry or need to change their shell/homes.

Anthony

[Scavenger]

Originally Posted by SeaHorse_Fanatic

I think that your cleanup crew wish list is too big as well. That many hermit crabs will make short work of your snails once they become hungry or need to change their shell/homes.

Anthony

I second SeaHorse Fanatic here. I would personally add the cleanup crew as you need them. Start small with a basic crew and add for what you need cleaned up. (Keeping in mind, what they would eat once they've delt with the problem) It's a balancing act to be sure.

[skylord]

A large cleanup crew isn't needed. In a couple of weeks when your algae problems subside they will either kill each other for food or just starve to death. Finding the correct balance takes time and in my opinion it is better to err on the side of your crews health/lives. I think I would drop the hermits and the urchin. This urchin really needs good water quality and in a new tank that can be hard to maintain. If you are going with a sand bed you might want to look at Nassarius Snails, less destructive than hermits and lots of fun to watch.

Scott

[scuglass]

Scrap the crabs.. they end up killing all your snails and have a knack for nocking over every frag.... no matter where you put it!