Cleanup Crew
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Reef Aquarium Cleanup Crew
"Cleanup Crew" is a generalized term referring to a set of algaevores and detritivores commonly used to help keep the aquarium, glass, substrate and water quality clean.
Cleaning crews are typically composed of an array of Mobile Invertebrates, including Snails,Crabs, Starfish and a wide variety of others including Sea Cucumbers,Shrimps and more.
Cleanup Crew Selection
There is no one-size-fits-all cleaning crew, and oftentimes commercial package deals are not the best solution for the aquarist. Rather, it is recommended that hobbyists research their choices in cleaners carefully and make decisions based on individual specimens. One example of such decision-making versus "package deals" - A package that consists of hundreds of hermit crabs and many small snails.
Snails
Snails are excellent at cleaning Algae from the glass, rockwork, and substrate. This is especially true during the time after a tank has recently cycled, when blooms of Diatom Algae can be expected.
Crabs
By far the most common crabs in a cleanup crew are hermit crabs, and are probably tied for most popular member of any cleanup crew along with snails. Typical cleaner hermits include the red-leg hermit, blue-leg hermit, and scarlet hermit. Also popular in cleanup crews is the Emerald Crab, an algaevore specialized in eating the pesky Valonia or Bubble Algae.
Shrimp
Among the shrimp commonly added as part of a cleanup crew are Peppermint Shrimp and Cleaner Shrimp. Both are voracious eaters and not particularly picky about what they eat.
Starfish
Among the starfish, Serpent Stars are often selected as members of cleanup crews. Serpent stars make a fine addition to the aquarium, and do indeed do an excellent job of cleaning up detritus.
Sometimes, Sand Sifting Starfish are added as well. This member of a cleanup crew can be controversial, however, since it is no doubt a voracious eater but many argue will wipe out the fauna of a Live Sand Bed.
