Week 23: Reef tank clean-up crews: 40 or 400? | 52 Weeks of Reefing #BRS160

http://brs.li/BRS160_Week23 It's Week 23 of 52 Weeks of Reefing, and we're adding invertebrates with a purpose to the reef! The bulk of these little guys are going to form our tank's clean-up crew which will help to reduce uneaten waste and contribute to the prevention of algae growth. So follow along as we share some info on the purpose of a clean-up crew, different approaches to them, details on some popular choices, and a few other tips that you may not have heard before. Reefers simply like adding diversity to their tank with crabs, stars, shrimp, and snails, however these two contradictory desires are really at odds with each other in ways most reefers don’t fully understand. I think it is really important to highlight the break in the road here between attempting to maintaining a healthy population snails, crabs, and other cleaners in the reef tank that have a side benefit of keeping algae and other pests in check and attempting to use them as for the sole purpose of algae control. Honestly, the clean up crew methodology is commonly seriously misunderstood and more often than not results in the exact opposite results the reefer intended in both of these cases. We are going to look at this from two vantage points starting with how to introduce, build, and maintain a clean up crew in a brand new tank, as well as from the vantage point of using them to help contain and reduce an existing outbreak. *Legal Stuff* The purpose and content of this video is to provide general information regarding the products and their applications as presented in the video. Aquatic sales solutions, inc. And its officers, directors, employees and agents disclaim all express or implied warranties, in any way, related to the products and their application as presented in this video, make no representation or warranty regarding the products and the application as presented in this video and shall not be liable for any direct or indirect losses or damages of any type, including but not limited to punitive damages, or from personal injury or death resulting from or in any manner related to the video, and the products in and contents of the video. The viewer expressly agrees that aquatic sales solutions, inc. And its officers, directors, employees and agents shall not be liable for any damages or losses related to the products in and content of the video and hereby agrees to hold the foregoing harmless from any such losses or damages.

Week 23: Reef tank clean-up crews: 40 or 400? | 52 Weeks of Reefing #BRS160 sentiment_very_dissatisfied 66

Reef tank 9 years ago 238,774 views

http://brs.li/BRS160_Week23 It's Week 23 of 52 Weeks of Reefing, and we're adding invertebrates with a purpose to the reef! The bulk of these little guys are going to form our tank's clean-up crew which will help to reduce uneaten waste and contribute to the prevention of algae growth. So follow along as we share some info on the purpose of a clean-up crew, different approaches to them, details on some popular choices, and a few other tips that you may not have heard before. Reefers simply like adding diversity to their tank with crabs, stars, shrimp, and snails, however these two contradictory desires are really at odds with each other in ways most reefers don’t fully understand. I think it is really important to highlight the break in the road here between attempting to maintaining a healthy population snails, crabs, and other cleaners in the reef tank that have a side benefit of keeping algae and other pests in check and attempting to use them as for the sole purpose of algae control. Honestly, the clean up crew methodology is commonly seriously misunderstood and more often than not results in the exact opposite results the reefer intended in both of these cases. We are going to look at this from two vantage points starting with how to introduce, build, and maintain a clean up crew in a brand new tank, as well as from the vantage point of using them to help contain and reduce an existing outbreak. *Legal Stuff* The purpose and content of this video is to provide general information regarding the products and their applications as presented in the video. Aquatic sales solutions, inc. And its officers, directors, employees and agents disclaim all express or implied warranties, in any way, related to the products and their application as presented in this video, make no representation or warranty regarding the products and the application as presented in this video and shall not be liable for any direct or indirect losses or damages of any type, including but not limited to punitive damages, or from personal injury or death resulting from or in any manner related to the video, and the products in and contents of the video. The viewer expressly agrees that aquatic sales solutions, inc. And its officers, directors, employees and agents shall not be liable for any damages or losses related to the products in and content of the video and hereby agrees to hold the foregoing harmless from any such losses or damages.

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Most popular comments
for Week 23: Reef tank clean-up crews: 40 or 400? | 52 Weeks of Reefing #BRS160

Squash Man!!
Squash Man!! - 6 years ago
If I run out of algae can I also add rods food seaweed
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 6 years ago
That may be a possibility worth trying out! :-)
Claudio Viana
Claudio Viana - 6 years ago
Can a simple guy like me buy animals from usa?
I really love that invertebrates, but i cant find him to sell on my country, and if i can buy, did them survive?
Thanks!
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 6 years ago
Your best resource for that type of info may be a vendor themselves or the reef hobbyist forums like Reef2Reef.com or ReefCentral.com! :-)
jake long
jake long - 7 years ago
1 snail. 6 blue red crabs. .. good enough for a 110 gal.. no issues. . Fishes and corals still alive. 5yrs plus. Under great skimmer and water change 1 every 3 weeks .. 2 volitan 1 yellow tang.. stars and shrimps
jake long
jake long - 7 years ago
Ps. 30 -40 gal water change
Conrad Kurze
Conrad Kurze - 7 years ago
Do you have any advice on sea slug or nudibranch care? Everyone i talk to says theybare just tank nukes but i really want to add one to my tank when i start it.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Hey there! We haven't kept many of these around the office, so your best resource may be browsing the reef hobbyist forums like Reef2Reef.com and ReefCentral.com to see what fellow reefers do to keep the same type of inhabitants! :-)
Pt0wN973b0iI
Pt0wN973b0iI - 7 years ago
Like your videos, only have to get used to INFORMATION OVERLOAD!
Shekina Shalom
Shekina Shalom - 7 years ago
holy shit i was about to buy 30 snails for my nano. thanks for the info
Lunar Mike
Lunar Mike - 7 years ago
What is that at 6:20? The round ball? I recently(days) started my 16gal, used water, sand and some scraps of live rock from a huge tank move. I found two that are bright orange(a bit colorblind) and .25" diameter. Close up it looks to have patterns in the color.

Any info would be great. They're super bright colored and I hope they grow into something nice. Thanks
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
That looks to be some sort of sponge in our video. It’s probably best practice for you to get a better ID on what you have as there are tons of critters in this hobby. I’d highly recommend you post photos of what you are seeing to the reef hobbyist forums like Reef2Reef.com or ReefCentral.com. There’s thousands of fellow hobbyists who would love to help out! :-)
Ballista66
Ballista66 - 7 years ago
Cool. I have a plecostomus in my freshwater tank
TheFrozenReefer
TheFrozenReefer - 7 years ago
I have a pair of wheelers gobies and pistol shrimp trio. I ordered an emerald crab however i'm wondering if it is going to be a pest. Any suggestions ?
TheFrozenReefer
TheFrozenReefer - 7 years ago
Is it edible ? :P If it eats all its tank mates that might be its future.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
It's hard to tell as sometimes each one is different. You could set up a quarantine tank and watch them, but it's really hard to predict their behavior until they are in the tank.

10. comment for Week 23: Reef tank clean-up crews: 40 or 400? | 52 Weeks of Reefing #BRS160

Doug Blackburn
Doug Blackburn - 7 years ago
I have to ask about the goby being added at this time. In this video, and in one of the previous ones it was stated to add such fish at a later time to ensure the tank is established and has plenty of food. So why did you go against that and add one already?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Hey there! For those types of Gobies that require a well established microfauna in the sand bed, because they rely on that microfauna to survive along with prepared foods, it is recommended to wait quite some time before adding them. For the Randall's Goby at the end of this video, their primary diet is only prepared foods and they do not relay on microfauna for survival. Since we knew we would be feeding the tank heavily, we were comfortable adding several varieties of fish. :-)


I actually saw him today while I was feeding the tank! He's happy and healthy nearly 2yrs later! :-)


-Randy
Just Stop
Just Stop - 7 years ago
I have 1 hermit, 2 snails, and 2 skunk cleaner shrimp. My 30 gal is just fine
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Nice!
jr.turtle120701
jr.turtle120701 - 7 years ago
my trochus reproduced while i was on vacation. but when i had astreas they actually where better at algea removal.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Very cool!! :-)
Stoned Savage
Stoned Savage - 7 years ago
nah im going to feed my red legged hermit so there shoukd be no need to eat each other :)
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Christopher Vargas
Christopher Vargas - 7 years ago
TBH I want algae growth, plant growth and coral growth
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Arman Mahyari
Arman Mahyari - 7 years ago
I have a Zebra Moray Eel in my 120 gallon reef tank. Do you think I should have crabs in my clean up crew or would the eel probably eat them?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Hey there! Unfortunately it is hard to say, since each fish can be different. I would recommend browsing and posting your question on the reef hobbyist forums like Reef2Reef.com and ReefCentral.com where thousands of other reefers share info! I wouldn't be surprised if someone has a perfect answer for you on those forums!
My Opinion
My Opinion - 7 years ago
you need to take a breath or a pause in-between talking. it's way to monotone...or hard to listen to..this is just my opinion
My Opinion
My Opinion - 7 years ago
BulkReefSupplyCom I didn't mean to sound so negative. sorry about that. I am trying to gather as much info before I jump into salt water tanks. I like all the info I have gotten from you.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Thanks for the feedback! We've made some changes since this video was done. Hopefully the newer stuff is a bit easier to digest! :-)
Michael Mrozek
Michael Mrozek - 7 years ago
I suggest even if you don't have an algae problem keep a small clean up crew ( very small like a snail per 20 or 25 gallons) that way if you mess up the nutrients the tank will still look good
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Absolutely! They are great at keeping the tank in top looking condition!
Herbert .Gatchalian
Herbert .Gatchalian - 7 years ago
what happened to your co-host ? i don't see him anymore :(
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
+Herbert .Gatchalian You mean RT (Ryan)? He took an awesome role with another company, so Randy has stepped in as another BRStv Co-host ! :-)
Kevin Northington
Kevin Northington - 7 years ago
Feel like school

20. comment for Week 23: Reef tank clean-up crews: 40 or 400? | 52 Weeks of Reefing #BRS160

Hannah Nicolia 2023
Hannah Nicolia 2023 - 7 years ago
is there any small crabs (not hermits) that are coral friendly/reef friendly?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
I'm sure there are a few out there. Emerald crabs seem popular and relatively reef safe. :-)
neneromanovagirl
neneromanovagirl - 7 years ago
Why are you yelling at me?!
sean haney
sean haney - 7 years ago
Love this series. I'm buying my first home in a month and can't wait to get a saltwater setup going. I've some 350 gallons of mixed freshwater tanks but always wanted to do a reef once I have a bigger (and permanent) fish room. What's a good size for starting? I was thinking around 200 gallon with a big sump- making it easier to have consistent parameters in a larger water volume.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Hey there, thanks for watching! I think anything larger than 40gal is a great starter tank. My major consideration when getting into a fairly large 100+ gal tank is the cost of the larger equipment needed to run it. The costs of pumps, skimmers, rocks, sand, lights, powerheads, and others are very far apart from what will power a 40gal versus what will power a 200gal. Other than that, the more water volume you can have on a system the more stable you can make it! :-)
Vtec Banger
Vtec Banger - 7 years ago
great info. thanks for putting in the time to make the hobby better.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Thanks for watching!
Negan
Negan - 7 years ago
I love your channel
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Thanks!! :-)
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Amar Nk
Amar Nk - 7 years ago
Can they be kept with anemone?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Almost all of the Clean up Crew we described here are reef safe and anemone safe. ;-)
Michael Sgro
Michael Sgro - 7 years ago
I'm
Freeyourmind
Freeyourmind - 7 years ago
Firefish are nearly impossible to keep in an aquarium if you ask me.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
I've had some over the years that haven't panned out well, too...
gabriel ramirez
gabriel ramirez - 7 years ago
when should I get a clean up crew ?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
I normally start adding snails and crabs after my tank has cycled and I've added my first fish. I'm always concerned with starving my clean up crew, so waiting until I have a fish or two in the tank ensures that there is a constant food source.
Thesonicboo
Thesonicboo - 7 years ago
I found something that looks like a sea hare in my tank but I don't know if it is a sea hare any advice?

30. comment for Week 23: Reef tank clean-up crews: 40 or 400? | 52 Weeks of Reefing #BRS160

Bilal Maqsood
Bilal Maqsood - 7 years ago
several years ago I had a reef aquarium that crashed and it was within 3 months of setting up the tank. My emerald crab started to eat my coral and didn't know why. I even asked my fish store and they didn't know either. After watching BRS, I now know why. If you want to keep a cleanup crew permanently and not remove them because they seems cool to have, what you do when you run out of algae?
Jay Moor
Jay Moor - 7 years ago
no
R C
R C - 7 years ago
Thank you for these classes. You/they are a Godsend.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Thank you Roy, glad you like them!
Ben Gray
Ben Gray - 7 years ago
Do you recommend quarantining your clean up crew? How would you do that? And how would you treat/notice any pests etc? Thank in advance! :)
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Yeah, quarantine and inspection is about the most you can do to ensure pests aren't making their way in with the CuC, granted that is an unlikely scenario. I would setup a QT similar to one you'd use for fish :)
Tristan Beligan
Tristan Beligan - 7 years ago
What are all the members of the current clean up crew?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Honestly we haven't changed anything. There are still a ton of trochus snails that frequently spawn :)
ciprian muresan
ciprian muresan - 7 years ago
Thanks. This must be the best info I ever found. I'm not totally new to this and what I just heard just confirms what I figured out over time. The most valid advice so far.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Awesome! Happy to be able to help Ciprian!
Fish Freak
Fish Freak - 8 years ago
Bulk reef supply would you please subscribe to me i am young and it would be a dream come true if you did!!!
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
No problem!
mallo _man95
mallo _man95 - 8 years ago
hey what type of shrimps can do the same job as the cleaner shrimp??
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
any time!
mallo _man95
mallo _man95 - 8 years ago
+BulkReefSupplyCom thank you for that, you guys are the best!!
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
I have had peppermint shrimp come up to clean me before. Otherwise there are different cleaner shrimp out there other than the scarlets. Check out the Pederson's Cleaner Shrimp!
James Ashley
James Ashley - 8 years ago
I'm looking to buy a clean up few this weekend and would like to buy some snails crabs shrimp and a star fish how much of each should I invest per my 55 gallon tank
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
I would do a dozen blue leg hermits and a dozen trochus snails to start.
James Ashley
James Ashley - 8 years ago
I am a new reefer and have a 55 gallon reef tank. my question is what and what size clean up crew do I need?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
I usually recommend a mix of hermits and larger snails. If it were my tank I would do a dozen blue leg hermits, and a dozen trochus snails to start. :)
tim Bauer
tim Bauer - 8 years ago
stocking for a 20 gallon long?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
Mostly size and temper. The red legs seem to be more ornery.
tim Bauer
tim Bauer - 8 years ago
BulkReefSupplyCom Alright thank you, What's the difference between blue legged and red legged?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
Hmm it depends on your preferences, but a dozen blue leg hermits, 4-6 trochus, and 1 emerald crab would be what I would use
Spance Man
Spance Man - 8 years ago
whats with the hand triangles? gesture u do! lol
Jive Chip
Jive Chip - 7 years ago
Spance Man lumminarti
Ready Player 2
Ready Player 2 - 7 years ago
Spance Man Diamond Dallas Page's brother lol
Aayush Borad
Aayush Borad - 8 years ago
how much time shud i keep any invertebrate for drip acclamtion??
i usually keep my new fishes for drip acclamtion in a broad bucket... shud i keep invertebrates in the same bucket or another one??
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
A big concern with drip acclimation is temperature. If you can keep the temperature in the container close to your tank temp I would probably go for around 30 minutes depending on your drip rate. I like to use separate buckets.
Agustin Perez
Agustin Perez - 8 years ago
What are the white with spots shrimp called at 6:08?
Agustin Perez
Agustin Perez - 8 years ago
Great thanks!!!
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
Those are Harlequin Shrimp. They are difficult to keep since they only eat starfish.
stagz 1
stagz 1 - 8 years ago
hands down the most educational vid iv seen on clean up crew thank you
Liam Ackermann
Liam Ackermann - 8 years ago
Do pom pom crabs filter feed? and if so does this help to keep the tank water clean?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
They are more opportunistic feeders, and seem to prefer meatier foods. Crabs like Porcelain crabs on the other hand do filter feed, but I'm not sure they will have a major impact on water clarity.
Raees Usman
Raees Usman - 8 years ago
I've recently got these small white snowflake looking things on the glass of my tank. I tried looking them up and I think they are called hydroids. Do you know if they are harmful and how I could get rid of them? Thanks.
J Nav
J Nav - 8 years ago
Copepod blooms can stick to the glass and are tiny, (those are great) . Sometimes you get a little tiny worm that is sticky like barnacles and they arent harmful.
Raees Usman
Raees Usman - 8 years ago
BulkReefSupplyCom Thanks. :)
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
It depends since there are different types. That being said they can sting and irritate corals but in most tanks they don't cause too much harm and typically go away on their own.
Raees Usman
Raees Usman - 8 years ago
BulkReefSupplyCom Thanks for the reply. No, they don't move like jellyfish they just stick to the glass. Do you know if hydroids are harmful or how you can get rid of them.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
They could be a few things, but without seeing them it's tough to say. I'd say hydroids are a great guess. Do they move away like little jelly fish when harassed?
nautaki
nautaki - 8 years ago
I never had much luck with firefishes myself either. That said I might know why but in general they seem to be very fragile
Jayden Brown
Jayden Brown - 8 years ago
what type of snails are you using
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
Black foot Trochus :)
Reefer Nanoman
Reefer Nanoman - 8 years ago
Excellent video as always! Ok so let's say that I need a couple of snails for my established 10G tank. How do I go about to prevent any pests from entering my tank? I'm currently dealing with Aptasia, already got rid of those pesky flatworms and have hydroids. So I'm trying not to add another nice pest!
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
Which is absolutely a possibility. QT with frequent inspections will be your best bet.
Reefer Nanoman
Reefer Nanoman - 8 years ago
+BulkReefSupplyCom I'm just worried that such a small pest as a flat worm might be hiding on the snail somehow
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
QT is an option. I'll be honest but in my tanks I just inspect the snail shell and add it to the tank after a good cleaning of their shell :)
Reefer Nanoman
Reefer Nanoman - 8 years ago
So keep them like in a quarantine tank? I'll just not have any snails ☺️
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
Snails are tricky. The tank transfer method could work in conjunction with scrubbing the snails shell.

50. comment for Week 23: Reef tank clean-up crews: 40 or 400? | 52 Weeks of Reefing #BRS160

MASON MITCHELL
MASON MITCHELL - 8 years ago
that beginning was so funny
DanJenn Martin
DanJenn Martin - 8 years ago
Would a porcelain crab host a coral such as a colony of zoas or palys?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
It's possible! I usually find ours in our anemones however.
Alex's Reef
Alex's Reef - 8 years ago
I have a question. many people focus on things like emerald crabs and hermits but no one really gives love to the sally light footed crab. one of the few crabs that will eat brown algae but can have a down side to them. there is a wide line of clear up crews that are good but all could have a down side. how do you all at brs few about cleaners like the sally light footed crab or others?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
Sally light foots are really cool animals for sure, however in my experience when they mature they can become pretty aggressive. I have seen them catch and eat some smaller fish before.
Nick Skarbek
Nick Skarbek - 8 years ago
What is the rock you are using in the 160 gallon tank?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
Raees Usman
Raees Usman - 8 years ago
Should you add the CUC before or after the tank has cycled? Also, if you add them after the tank has cycled, then should you add them with the first fish so there is a constant food supply?
Raees Usman
Raees Usman - 8 years ago
+BulkReefSupplyCom Thanks.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
You'll want to add them after the cycle. Usually there is enough gunk from the live rock post cycle to feed the CUC, not to mention algae that will likely spring up. :)
Raees Usman
Raees Usman - 8 years ago
When you did the 100% water change did you have to cycle the tank again? Also, did you leave the rock and sand in the tank when doing the 100% water change and how to you get the water soaked into the sand out? Thanks for the videos and help. :)
Raees Usman
Raees Usman - 8 years ago
+BulkReefSupplyCom Thank you! :)
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
Nope, luckily the vast majority of the bacteria that is responsible for converting ammonia to nitrate lives on the surfaces in the tank like the rock and sand. Some water will remain in the sand, so technically it's not 100% :P
Holleigh Hollis
Holleigh Hollis - 8 years ago
At minute 8:54 what is that pink , with green little things sticking out of it? I would really love to know! thanks!
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
That's an orange plate coral from the Cycloseris genus - this one in particular was a little bleached, but now looks really nice and has grown significantly in our tank.
dreamkiller323
dreamkiller323 - 8 years ago
hi +BulkReefSupplyCom in regards to hermit crabs, they eventually outgrow their shells and must look for a new one. what's the recommendation on adding empty shells so they don't become aggressive toward each other? pick it up at the beach? buy them at an arts and crafts store? what do i really need to get them?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
Some sand mixes have shells in them the crabs can jump into, otherwise I'd bet if you ask your LFS for a few shells they would give you a couple.
Martin Visagie
Martin Visagie - 8 years ago
Hey Guys, Love these 52weeks video's. It educated me so much, THANKS

When i the best time to add CUC? I wont be overstocking them anyway as i want them for the life in the tank & not the Cleaning capabilities, that is just a cool extra.

Tank is small, 30gal, so want to add 1 hermit & maybe 2 snails, thats all.

Thanks for the awesome series guys.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
No problem Martin, it's one of my favorite parts about our channel.
Martin Visagie
Martin Visagie - 8 years ago
Really awesome that u guys actually reply & interact with your viewers. ACES FOR THAT....

Hope i get a bit of algae so i dont have to worry about feeding these guys.

Enjoy
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
Nice! It's possible you might still see some algae once you fire the lights up.
Martin Visagie
Martin Visagie - 8 years ago
Seems mi cycle is complete after 3weeks, ammonia & nitrite at 0 & Nitrate at 3.5. But i didnt get a algae bloom. Added 1 blue legged & fire shrimp. Will be providing them with nori or dried seaweed.

Thanks.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
Thanks, glad you like the videos! I would recommend adding them as soon as your cycle is complete. They will help to combat any algae that will spring up.
Wilson Hunter
Wilson Hunter - 8 years ago
Do emerald crabs eat macro algae? Wondering if I can add some to the main tank from the refugium to prevent hunger if algae growth becomes very low.
Nick Richardson
Nick Richardson - 8 years ago
I love this channel!! :D
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
Thanks Nick, happy to hear it!
Nasir Freeman
Nasir Freeman - 8 years ago
What is the animal at 6:10
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
That's a pair of Harlequin shrimp. Pretty challenging animals to keep since they only eat starfish.
Rosislav Rusev
Rosislav Rusev - 8 years ago
Hi from London, UK! You guys are simply the best- i wish you were closer! Here is my question:
Do you know any way of manually feeding sand sifting starfish?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Rosislav Rusev Thanks! I have heard some folks that add a small amount of food in the sand immediately in front of the star. I can't recall if this has ever led to success however.
Harry Paas
Harry Paas - 8 years ago
Sorry I love your videos, but you talk to fast and people like me find it hard to take it all in so quickly.
On a positive note thank You for the great videos.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Harry Paas Noted, thank you!
I.C.B.M
I.C.B.M - 8 years ago
do u have a video for feeding corals
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
Israfil M. Haniff
Israfil M. Haniff - 8 years ago
What do you think of Asterna starfishes ? How do you deal with them?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Israfil M. Haniff Personally I don't have a beef with them, it seems all my tanks eventually have a population of them. I'm not sure I'd consider them as part of a cleanup crew however. With that being said, some species can be harmful. The best natural method of removal is through Harlequin Shrimp. They ONLY eat starfish though, so have a plan to feed them after they go through all your asterina.
Butt Cheese
Butt Cheese - 8 years ago
Has anyone here ever bought a boxer crab? I like the way they look with the "pom poms" but are they aggressive? and when you purchase them will they come with the anemones already attached?

(since their "pom poms" are anemones its possible that in the stores they would have never had a chance to grab any)
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Butt Cheese We have a few in the office, including one in the 160. Love those little guys! They are collected with the anemones, so they generally do have them. I have even seen them "frag" a single anemone on one claw into two!
The House that Jack Built
The House that Jack Built - 8 years ago
awesome advice!
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+The House that Jack Built Thanks! Glad you liked the video :)
Sea Sparkle
Sea Sparkle - 8 years ago
All those little critters are my favorite part of the hobby, honestly I can take or leave the fish but NO ONE messes with my inverts!
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Sea Sparkle Haha, good point! They do bring a lot of character to the tank.
FishOfHex
FishOfHex - 8 years ago
I Like to add a few crabs and snails every couple months to keep the crew going I will say i have had the same Mexican turbo snails for about 2 years. I had no idea they lived that long.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+FishOfHex I still have a couple of those buggers from a tank 4 years ago. They are definitely long lived!
Michael Holmgaard
Michael Holmgaard - 8 years ago
Fantastic video guys! :D
Would you say that it's safe to keep the emerald & pom-pom crabs even after the algae's are gone? I see many reefers keep 2-3 of them on permanent basis, and I must admit, that I think they would be a cool addition to my 120 gallon tank :)
Michael Holmgaard
Michael Holmgaard - 8 years ago
+BulkReefSupplyCom Thank you. Good to hear that. i really think they are a fun gimmick in a tank, so I'll probably add a couple to :)
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Mickey Holm There have been reports of that, but I haven't ever noticed it in my tanks. :)
Michael Holmgaard
Michael Holmgaard - 8 years ago
+BulkReefSupplyCom Cool! Nice to know, because I was wondering if they would start eating the corals, but I guess feeding them can prevent that ;)
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Mickey Holm Absolutely! Pom Pom crabs really don't contribute much to an algae managing cleanup crew, but the emerald crabs are perfect to keep it at bay in the future.
kendrid
kendrid - 8 years ago
Great video. I learned a while ago that clean up crews are for the most part useless. I have two pincushion urchins and a couple of snails, a rabbit fish, two tangs and no algae at all. At one time I had a bubble algae issue but the rabbit fish loves it so it is no longer an issue. My tank is 'dirty' with my nitrates around 20. Softies and LPS do great and there is no algae at all. Unlike what I read when I started this hobby, an excessive number of snails are not needed.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+kenrdid Sounds like your cleanup crew has got it down :P
Jared Fell
Jared Fell - 8 years ago
that hippo tang looked horrible lol
Franklin Michael
Franklin Michael - 8 years ago
Can't you just add hundreds of crabs and snails but use small juveniles and let them grow at the speed that the tank feeds them?
Another more important question: Does the natureef denitrifier work? It's supposed to have beneficial bacteria that consume the nitrates and turn them into nitrogen gas, suposedly this cuts down water changes and is a more natural way to maintain the aquarium, if it does work how do you set something like that up?
Franklin Michael
Franklin Michael - 8 years ago
+The House that Jack Built Some might but I guess most would survive if they have enough food, I have a large crab with small snails and they do fine, hasn't killed one yet, That same crab did kill an adult snail tho
The House that Jack Built
The House that Jack Built - 8 years ago
not really because the larger crabs will eat the smaller snails and crabs since they all grow in different rates.
P. Vargas
P. Vargas - 8 years ago
I really love what you guys do. I agree with reefer boy. I like the idea on the personal home set ups. I'd also like to see if possible, an exact process from beginning to end on a feeding routine. Like I said love what you guy do.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+P. Vargas We'll be covering the feeding routines here a little later on. Thanks for the suggestions, we appreciate it!
Corey Tillery
Corey Tillery - 8 years ago
Do you have to acclimate any of the shrimp crab or snails or do you just place them in the tank? Not sure if needs to be as a lengthy process as acclimation of a new fish.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Corey Tillery Inverts are generally a little more sensitive than fish, so acclimation is pretty important. I like to float their bag for 15 minutes, and then slowly add some tank water to the bad every ten minutes or so to help acclimate them.
ElementL116
ElementL116 - 8 years ago
Totally agree with clean-up crew overload... been there and have seen the ill effects of them dying off. Great advice on keep the population small!
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+ElementL116 Nice! Sounds like a good mix.
ElementL116
ElementL116 - 8 years ago
+BulkReefSupplyCom A 240g display tank with about a dozen hermits, a handful of nerite snails, about 15 or so cerith snails, 2 serpent starfish, 2 brittle starfish, a chiton and a few tangs. I used to have a few emerald crabs, but they apparently didn't have enough to eat. They did get rid of the bubble algae.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+ElementL116 Thanks! What are you currently running for your clean-up crew?
Tim Ee
Tim Ee - 8 years ago
I'm starting a thirty gallon, so that's 3 snails? What about the other types? At what point should they be added to the tank? I'd like to add a goby shrimp pair at some point, do they fall under the clean-up label?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Tim Ee I'd recommend adding them as soon as your cycle is done completing. I would hold off on the pistol/goby combo since they are more ornamental and will benefit from being added to the tank a little later once it has stabilized.
Keith Derr
Keith Derr - 8 years ago
I'm curious why you seem to be concerned with aptasia, when you have such a pristine controlled environment? I would normally be concerned, but since your rocks and such haven't been exposed to other "dirty" ecosystems, I feel you have a very controlled environment. I suppose aptasia could be hidden within the shells of your cleanup crew, but is that likely? Anyway, as usual great video, Thanks
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Keith Derr True, but once we start adding corals it's pretty easy for one to slip by our inspection on a base, frag plug, or rock :P
sean mulhall
sean mulhall - 8 years ago
hi my tank has large aggressive carnivores and the are very messy eaters a niger trigger lunar wrasse 2 foot tessalata eel and snow flake eel                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        my cleaner crew is 1 urchin 1 chocolate chip starfish and 3yellow,2 blue, and 1talbots damsel fish ( they eat some of the left overs that the larger fish don't care about )                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I want to add 5 Babylon snails 20 black foots and 6 large hemits in my 90 gallon                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   ( im upgrading my tessalata eel to a 300 in about a month for any haters )
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+sean mulhall Thanks for sharing, Sean :)
Jette Christensen
Jette Christensen - 8 years ago
lol i only have 5 hermits, 5 snails and 2 cleaner shrimp in my 85 gallon tank. Algae everywhere.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Jette Christensen Nice! With a proper plan, carbon dosing is a good option for the advanced reefer to maintain their nutrient level.
Jette Christensen
Jette Christensen - 8 years ago
+BulkReefSupplyCom Using granulated sugar as carbon dossing has really helped kill off the algea by cutting the nutrient. It's really effective. Is sugar dosing something you have heard of.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Jette Christensen Yeah, they're certainly not an end-all to algae control. They are more helpers than eliminators. :)
Edwin B.
Edwin B. - 8 years ago
What kind of snails did you say on time stamp 9:13 and 9:20? Thanks in advance
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Edwin B. Nassarius and Cerith :)
Vidyut Periyasamy
Vidyut Periyasamy - 8 years ago
Hey guys, I was wondering if I could just keep a few hermit crabs in a nano 5 gallon tank and like feed them algae wafers and some other food as well?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Explosive Crazy Penguin Thanks! Glad you like the series.
Vidyut Periyasamy
Vidyut Periyasamy - 8 years ago
Thx you just got a subscriber for replying.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+Explosive Crazy Penguin Like the little guys we featured in the video? That should be fine. :)
Alex Kingcole
Alex Kingcole - 8 years ago
Agreed. A CUC should be very light. DO NOT OVERSTOCK a CUC! I don't know who created the rule of thumb of a CUC head count, probably the vendors?

Peppermint shrimp- been there done that, my advice, don't put them in!! at all cost!!
Turbos- Mexican variety- good. Make sure you look for them daily! 1 per 50g
Emerald crab- absolutely, not. They are known to nip corals. In FOWLR, sure!
Ceriths- oK, they may move your livestock sitting on the sand.
Astrea snails- in a frag tank only, again head count daily.
Blue legged hermit crabs- Keep them fed or they will nip at sps and or zoos
Red legged, all clear.
Trochus- excellent addition.
Warped
Warped - 7 years ago
Alex Kingcole
meh, not too sure about that. have had an emerald crab in my reef for a few months and have only had him nip a coral once and with very minor damage.
i also have an astrea snail and haven't had any issues so perhaps you could explain more on why you're rather against them?
Rachael Hamilton
Rachael Hamilton - 9 years ago
wonderful video. so informative. I would also love to see the staffs tanks !
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+Rachael Hamilton Thanks! I'm sure we'll feature a few in a future video :)
shawnriv9
shawnriv9 - 9 years ago
Blotchy Anthias?! That's a $300+ fish! I cringe about purchasing a fish over $40.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+shawnriv9 They've come down in price a bit through the years, but they still aren't the cheapest fish out there. :P
Jesus Valenzuela
Jesus Valenzuela - 9 years ago
I have a question I hope you guys can help me out. Do the AI prime LED light would work for a 40 gallon innovative marine nuvo tank?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+Jesus Valenzuela That light would be a good choice but you may notice some loss of intensity near the corners of the tank.


Here is the spread/intensity of that light:

http://www.aquaillumination.com/img/prime_parChart_2.png
Rad Ster
Rad Ster - 9 years ago
Um so why did you Add 400 cleanup crews to your tank if they're mostly going to die and trash the tank? I don't get it. The whole episode is about how adding these critters might be a problem in a low nutrient tank.... counterintuitive to what you're trying to accomplish? so what's the point? half of this episode makes no sense.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+Rad Ster It's certainly a possibility. The key is to keep the media sandwiched between the plates/sponges or else it will grind itself up into dust.
Rad Ster
Rad Ster - 9 years ago
ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh ok. now that makes sense. yeah I stopped with the stupid snails after they died every 2 weeks. My hermits are still kicking for months, however they don't clean the glass. Very glad to see the option of mixed GFO and carbon because I run my reactor on gravity, not powerful enough to tumble GFO, but with the carbon combo I believe it would work with it's actual low flow. Hopefully that will help me lower my phosphate problems. IF that's a completely stupid idea please stop me before I move in that direction. 
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+Rad Ster sorry for the misunderstanding. The point we were trying to get across is the common recommendation that you need 400 crabs and snails is wrong and likely going to cause problems. The recommendation for that giant sized clean up crew is so prevalent in out hobby we felt we needed to cover in depth why that is a bad idea.
Turtles Anonymous
Turtles Anonymous - 9 years ago
Why don't you guys see your fish as pets as that what they are.This isn't just a hobby they should be seen as pets besides fish#23 same goes with reptiles
Turtles Anonymous
Turtles Anonymous - 9 years ago
really k :) its just I have seen it too much matter how small the animal it was even a small little cray fish I had in my turtle tank I considered it a pet
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+Nick Davis That was actually one of the points we tried petty hard to get across :)
Jason Duncan
Jason Duncan - 9 years ago
What would you suggest for a mixed reef with a Valentini Puffer in residence?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+Jason Duncan That is tricky because they have quite the appetite for snails, crabs, and shrimp! Honestly urchins would likely be your best bet.
Legendary Aaron R
Legendary Aaron R - 9 years ago
how does the sand stay down with all that water movement?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+Aaron R It's a bit of a thicker grade so it's less prone to moving around :)
For_The_Forsaken
For_The_Forsaken - 9 years ago
WOAH what are those black and white fish and are they easy to take care of? (great vid!)
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+For_The_Forsaken Very nice!
For_The_Forsaken
For_The_Forsaken - 9 years ago
oh okay cool, I am getting a 4footer soon so I will have space for quite a few fish. I am excited to start growing some corals
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+For_The_Forsaken Those are black and white ocellaris clown fish. They are pretty easy fish to keep. I'd recommend keeping them singly or as a pair to start with :)
Stephanie Phillips
Stephanie Phillips - 9 years ago
that helps a lot. thank you!!! I was about to buy a pack of 50 clean up crew. 8 clouding 6 emerald crabs which I love. but for my 55 gallon probably would have ended up sad in a few weeks. I think I'm going to watch this again and order one of each for now. I'm thinking that would be good. but I might get 2 emeralds their just so damn cute!!! maybe I can hand feed them???
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+Stephanie Phillips Cool, sounds like a plan. I like emerald crabs as well. :)
Dumbo Octopus
Dumbo Octopus - 9 years ago
i'm from Turkey and most of the things that u talked about are not aviable in Turkey but i love your channel whe i see new video uploded, i take my caffee and watch it , i ll be more happy if we can order your goods from amazon ,like rox 08 actived carbon which is not aviable
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+dwarf seahorse Thanks! Happy to hear you like the channel. Hopefully in the future we will be able to ship internationally. :)
mitian
mitian - 9 years ago
Oh boy another good video.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
Thanks +mitian :)
North County Alliance to Mitigate Climate Change
North County Alliance to Mitigate Climate Change - 9 years ago
Great video as always, my dad is having trouble with his algae in his tank so I'll show him this video, thanks!
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+North County Alliance to Mitigate Climate Change Awesome! Let us know if have any questions :)
zakdigital
zakdigital - 9 years ago
Wouldn't cleaner shrimps be considered a safer permanent alternative to peppermints since peppermints seem to be almost guaranteed to eat corals at some point? Not to mention they can clean your fish as well? I know I've had to get rid of peppermints in the past. I'd prefer to add/remove them as needed when aptasia pops up.
zakdigital
zakdigital - 9 years ago
Maybe many of the issues people have are keeping them well fed.  Check out this image: http://i.imgur.com/9ViRy4i.png.  I did notice my local store tends to carry Boggessi, when apparently we really want Wurdemanni.  Thanks!
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+zakdigital To me the biggest benefit of peppermints is their ability to help control aiptasia anemones. Cleaner shrimp are awesome and I love to have them, but I also like to keep a few peppermints. The problem is that there is a species of shrimp called a camel shrimp that looks pretty similar to peppermint shrimp and sometimes get's mislabeled and sold as such. I've personally haven't encountered a well-fed peppermint that had an appetite for corals. Camel shrimp are a different story :P
Shawn D
Shawn D - 9 years ago
+paandemonium, +bulkreefsupplycom
Thanks for the responses.....My tank is done cycling and I have my Percula Clowns in my QT waiting for the transfer to the DT. They have been in there for a month now. As long as Iv'e had to wait before transferring them, I hope it was well worth the wait. I will buy my next couple of inmates and go through the process again.

I think it might be a little too early for a CUC sine I have nothing at the moment as means of food for them. But these snails are definitely on the "Want" list. They definitely look cool........

thanks again
Kyle Collins
Kyle Collins - 9 years ago
I agree I do 50% cleaner crew so I have a 55 and 125 in my 55 I have a mix of crew hermits blennys shrimp and snails I have 26 altogether and same in my 125 and it was a happy medium for me.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+Kyle Collins Nice!
Legendary Aaron R
Legendary Aaron R - 9 years ago
would 5 pieces of pukani be enough for a 10 gallon tank?
The House that Jack Built
The House that Jack Built - 8 years ago
my rule of thumb is more rock the better. I go with 2 pounds per gallon. im not a fan of a vast sand bed. coral reefs typically don't lie near the sandbed naturally. the sandbed is burried under the coral beds which can be thousands or millions of years old and very deep. there is very little sand around most reefs. I try to mimic that. I bury 80% of sand under my rock.
Captain long dong
Captain long dong - 8 years ago
depends on the weight, you usually want around 2 pounds per gallon.

100. comment for Week 23: Reef tank clean-up crews: 40 or 400? | 52 Weeks of Reefing #BRS160

Darth GrumpBert
Darth GrumpBert - 9 years ago
Excellent episode guys. Trochus snails rock!
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+Darth Mymoonkeepoff Thanks Darth, I'd have to agree!
Eric Pine
Eric Pine - 9 years ago
I'm upgrading from 5.5g to 65 or 75gallon. Do I need a sump? I know what they do, but is it a requirement? Can I just use a hang on back filter?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+Eric Pine It's not an absolute necessity, but it makes life much easier especially on a larger tank like that. In my experience most people that setup a larger tank without a sump usually end up draining it a few months later to break it down and drill it for a sump. :P
Puff Daddy Reef
Puff Daddy Reef - 9 years ago
Just grabbed 6 trochus snails!
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+Puff Daddy Reef Score!
Chrissy M. Williams
Chrissy M. Williams - 9 years ago
I WONDERED why suppliers are always selling CUC refresher packs!  I learned something today!  Thanks for these vids, BRS.  It'll be a long while until I can get a saltwater tank, but I look forward to these vids every week, and I'm learning so much.  :)
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+Chrissy M. Williams Thanks for watching Chrissy. Let us know anytime if you have any questions!
Brent O'Connor
Brent O'Connor - 9 years ago
If it helps, here are my notes on what they added to their tank.

Hermit crabs (a few per rock structure)
Cerith Snail (6)
Trochus Snail or Astraea Snail (10)
Emerald Crab per rock structure
Peppermint Shrimp (x2)
Pom Pom Crab (x2)
Blotched Anthias (Fish)
Randalls Goby
Candy Pistol Shrimp (x2)
Andy Young
Andy Young - 9 years ago
Such a great video, well done. You're sending all the right messages.
Stoned Megatron
Stoned Megatron - 9 years ago
Awesome video with awesome information.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+Stoned Megatron Thanks, glad you liked it!
Precision Reef Systems
Precision Reef Systems - 9 years ago
Couldn't agree more with the clean up crew advice! Far too often I hear overkill amounts of hermits and snails being recommended- most of which perish in a few short months.

And +1 on the Trochus- they're only algae eating snail I'll use other than very occasional ceriths. But finding trochus at wholesale can be super hit and miss certain times of year. I'm surprised no one is mass producing them in captivity yet.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+Precision Reef Systems Thanks! Yeah, for some reason availability is very spotty. I'd have to assume it's seasonal collection or something along those lines.
Brett Abbott
Brett Abbott - 9 years ago
My black occy clown bites my hand every time too....


Amen, I've always thought the 1 snail per gallon guideline was crazy. I've got about 8-9 snails in my 42 gallon. Haven't lost any and seems to be working.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+Brett Abbott I'm going to say it: Clownfish are jerks. :)
Alex De Michieli
Alex De Michieli - 9 years ago
What are the snails that you recommend for cyno on sand bed?
Alex De Michieli
Alex De Michieli - 9 years ago
+BulkReefSupplyCom I think its a low flow spot because im showing 0 on phosphates on a redsea test kit.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+Alex De Michieli Not much will consume that unfortunately. You're best bet will be to figure out it's source (usually elevated phosphate) and get it under control. The only thing I could think of that could "hide" it otherwise would be something like a diamond goby, or nassarius snails that help keep the sand bed turned over and clean.
Fred Garcia
Fred Garcia - 9 years ago
Can't say I've heard anyone as confident about Emerald Crabs removing bubble algae as this. I have only ever know Emeralds to do a great job of knocking crap over and making me regret introducing them in the first place. I will attest to the Mexican Turbos ability to act like lawnmowers in most tanks.

Regardless. Good video.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+Fred Garcia Thanks Fred! I've had good luck with both honestly. Usually the Turbos are the ones knocking stuff over for me though ;)
Imabenzman
Imabenzman - 9 years ago
Great video. I'm glad you made the point of how different variables will affect the amount and type of cleanup crew desired, and that it's not just X amount per gallon. And correct on sometimes adding one specific creature may cause problems with the others. I have some hermits that have become huge and will eat my snails. I have pink urchins which are phenomenal but small snails and hermits will get stuck to their back and die because they can't get free. I got a harlequin shrimp to take care of my asterina snails, but he kills my sand sifting starfish. Mexican turbo snails were great if I had algae outbreaks but they don't last forever and they wreak havoc if you have any coral frag's. I also find that every now and again certain things need to be replenished. They are all very interesting to watch do their jobs and their part in the tank. It also takes planning and research to figure out what each individual's best options are for selection. Thanks BRS for great videos
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+Imabenzman Ahh yes, Turbo snails...aka frag bulldozers. :P Thanks!
wincod75
wincod75 - 9 years ago
+1 on target feeding crabs. Had a pair of emeralds destroy several zoa frags simply from a lack of food.
wincod75
wincod75 - 9 years ago
+BulkReefSupplyCom Thanks for the info as always! And nope, i had just bought them, they weren't in the tank for 3 hours, and they were mowed down. Vicious!
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+TheWincod75 Female crabs will have a larger fin under their abdomen. They use it to hold their eggs while they gestate. :) That's a bummer about the zoas. They weren't already dying or anything were they? I could see them picking off the dead pieces.
wincod75
wincod75 - 9 years ago
+BulkReefSupplyCom no clue what mine were, one of the two was particularly large, I loved having them but eating my first zoa frag was a deal breaker!
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+TheWincod75 I know it sounds silly, but I've had the best luck with female emerald crabs.
Crankbait 2009
Crankbait 2009 - 9 years ago
What kind of snail is that at 6:34? Are those good snails to have?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+Crankbait 2009 Yup, that's a Nassarius snail! Really cool snail that lives just below the sand bed and rises out of the sand like a zombie when they sense uneaten food. They do a good job at it too!
Paandemonium
Paandemonium - 9 years ago
+Crankbait 2009 nassarius theyre awesome
Rudy B
Rudy B - 9 years ago
Thank you. This has been the first time anyone has said not to add so many crabs and snails to a tank as they are going to die. This may have been a given to experience reefers but I have seen so many people new to the hobby with hundreds of so called clean up crew in their tanks. Then a month or so later they are almost all dead. Great video.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+Rudy B Thanks Rudy! It's an often overlooked topic, that's for sure.
Jean-Francois Prince
Jean-Francois Prince - 9 years ago
I started with 5 snails I now have over 30... They reproduce like crazy. Also, does anyone know where tiny white starfish come from?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+Jean-Francois Prince Crazy! Yeah, those stars are likely asterinas. Mostly harmless, however there are a few species that have been rarely reported to take the occasional bite out of zoanthids. The common asterinas that 99.9% of us have are fine, and usually make their way into our tanks on coral.
Bill Lee
Bill Lee - 9 years ago
+Jean-Francois Prince Asterina stars? I started out with 5 about 3 years ago, gotten from a buddy and my wife thought they were cute. I have hundreds now in my 240gal tank (and the 'fuge, and the sump). Not really a nuisance per se, but I do pull ~50 a week out and toss them.
Rostasteve
Rostasteve - 9 years ago
+Nicholas Ramirez I'm assuming you're referring to Asterina starfish. They're a common hitchhiker on live rock and there's debate on whether they're beneficial or not.
anizato reef
anizato reef - 9 years ago
+Nicholas Ramirez if you are like me and didn't use any liverock they are most likely from the sand or maybe hitchhiked on a frag plug. Some people like's others consider them pests. I don't mind seeing them, they are a good indicator your system is healthy.
Brian's Fish Tanks
Brian's Fish Tanks - 9 years ago
Great video! Are there stores in the Twin Cities that have better supplies of some of these clean up creatures than others?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+Brian's Fish Tanks There are a few stores that I frequent like Saltwater Empire and New Wave that have a pretty good selection.
mrbigshot29
mrbigshot29 - 9 years ago
+Brian's Fish Tanks saltwater empire is usually good. if not in stock see if they can get some with there next order.

tcmas members might have a some to get rid of if you ask.
WAZZA
WAZZA - 9 years ago
Awesome vid once again, am just setting up an 840L with 280L sump myself and these vids are invaluable.
Love the your honesty, so many stores try and sell the whole crew knowing you'll be back for more.
I'm in Oz and have found myself some one who i think i can trust in the same way but if i was in the US i wouldn't even bother trying to find someone else, you guy's ROCK!!
Keep up the ridiculously great work
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+Warren Carthew Thanks Warren! I'm glad we could help. If you're ever in Minnesota feel free to stop by and say hi!
Ted R.
Ted R. - 9 years ago
Oh, and Peppermint Shrimp are from the devil himself. lol.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+Ted Regnerus Not sure I'd say that :P Camel shrimp are the ones you want to watch out for. Honestly I love keeping Peppermint Shrimp. They are my second line of defense for aiptasia (right behind buying corals that don't have aiptasia on their base to begin with).
Ted R.
Ted R. - 9 years ago
Funny you suggest one per ten gallons. That's what I stock in my 72 gallon total. No more than seven of any kind of snail. :)
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+Ted Regnerus Nice!
NYCity Cichlids
NYCity Cichlids - 9 years ago
Can't thank you enough for the info.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+NYCity Cichlids And we can't thank you enough for watching! :P
Darryl Sawyer
Darryl Sawyer - 9 years ago
Sad to hear about the firefish. Good video though, love the tips on clean up crew selection.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+Darryl Sawyer Yeah, it was really odd and honestly didn't expect it. :( Glad you liked the vid!
Andrew Hales
Andrew Hales - 9 years ago
Steps for watching a new BRS video.
1. Push Like before starting the video
2. Set to 1080HD
3. Enjoy the best video on the internet
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago
+DA Master Thanks! I'll let our video guy know :P
DA Master
DA Master - 8 years ago
+BulkReefSupplyCom Your videos are fkn awesome even though I don't do salt water . You guys spend 2000 on a filter how about buying a new 4k Camera like the Sony A6300 wich has some of the best 4k around. Thanks.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+Andrew Hales Haha, thanks Andrew! Happy to hear you enjoy the channel :)
FOWLR4NOW
FOWLR4NOW - 9 years ago
Fantastic video as usual guys. This topic is often neglected in the hobby. There seems to be a very poor understanding of which species are useful and which are not. Good to see a detailed vid covering the topic
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+FOWLR4NOW Thanks! Glad you liked it! :)
LaxMan2k
LaxMan2k - 9 years ago
I was wondering how do you go about keeping your sand bed so clean? as you said you feed the fish half a cube per day and the rest is broken down into nutrients, yet i see no algae in this tank at all. I know you do water changes but how often do you do them it seems to me if you have a sand bed that deep you would have to clean it every 2 or 3 days to maintain this pristine looking tank.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+LaxMan2k Jraker pretty much nailed it. We vacuum the bed during water changes, and in all honesty the light isn't set for a full photoperiod right now since we don't have any corals...yet. We did recently start noticing some algae growth, but after adding the clean up crew they've held it at bay.
sygy
sygy - 9 years ago
1) the tank is fairly new


2) vacuum the sandbed
reefer boy
reefer boy - 9 years ago
hey guys I got a great idea for you. So today I was thinking wow these guys are great and really experienced. Then I said hm I wonder what all their home setups are. I think once a week in between the brs 160 videos like on week days or something you can go through each brs staffs personal set up. I think that would be really cool series and would really love to see what the pros reef tank looks like. What do you think????
REST IN TINY PIECES!!!
REST IN TINY PIECES!!! - 7 years ago
BulkReefSupplyCom hey,need to know something,I have been looking at urchins and outta all these animals it seems tha tuxedo urchin is tha safest,but I need to know will this tuxedo urchin eat my Marco algae???
I got this so far on 75G main,29G sump only tank,
RARE:Marco algae
Red Grape
Green Grage
Orange Sponge
Neon Green/Yellow'ish Sponge
Dragons Tongue
Red Palm Leaf
Blue Hypnea
Some other Marco algae not to important
Blonde blue eyed B!tch Zoanthids
And regular branching neon green polyps or star burst
And
Babie RARE BTA
I need to know cause I got info that says yes and says no
And info on tuxedo urchin I can't find out like I can with other urchins eating everything along with soft corals. Any help I would be hight greatful
Abigail Idle
Abigail Idle - 7 years ago
reefer boy good idea and I would like that :)
reefer boy
reefer boy - 9 years ago
+BulkReefSupplyCom hopefully I can see that soon because that would be really cool to see!
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+reefer boy That's a good idea! A few of us just basically moved our tanks to the office, but there are a couple of us with home tanks still. It's certainly a possibility!
sygy
sygy - 9 years ago
+reefer boy that would be pretty cool. i would also like to see the staff's tanks.
coralinealgae
coralinealgae - 9 years ago
Great advice.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+coralinealgae Thanks, happy to help!
Eric Afyouni
Eric Afyouni - 9 years ago
Definitely agree on getting rid of the astreas. They do a decent job, but too often they fall off the rocks and start dying. I've found that once a few start falling, all of the snails will die within a couple weeks of one another. Recently had this happen with turbos as well. I'm going to stick with trochus, ceriths, and nassarius on my next tank along with some hermits.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+Eric Afyouni Good choices :)
James Crook
James Crook - 9 years ago
Awesome Vid!!!!
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+James Crook Thanks James!
9StickNate
9StickNate - 9 years ago
Thanks for the video. I did pick something up! I actually started having algae issues after I purchased a large clean-up crew for my tank. I had also been ramping up my lighting periods with T5s on for 12 hours and MH for 8. Time to make some changes.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+9StickNate Awesome, happy to help.
Wichita Falls Fishkeeper
Wichita Falls Fishkeeper - 9 years ago
Great info. What type of crew would you suggest for hair algae? Thanks
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 9 years ago
+aManUnderGrace I've had really good luck with emerald crabs when it comes to hair algae actually. Granted you'll still also want to try and manually remove it as well.
Nado
Nado - 9 years ago
FIRST!!
Nado
Nado - 9 years ago
super excited for next weeks video too! i'm using bio pellets and started to do some small doses of vinegar to help bring my levels back into check. i found out last week that i had a dead spot below one of my islands that had pilled up a big lump of junk giving me some algae growth. it's coming back down but of course, now i have a small outbreak of cyano haha.
Nado
Nado - 9 years ago
+Chris Bena haha my phone told me a new video so i ran to the computer to watch!
Chris Bena
Chris Bena - 9 years ago
+Reject06 D'oh! I was so close!!!

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