[docjones]

Is it ok to populate my tank once it is cycled with a cleaning crew before I get my main lighting? I am planning to buy my lights soon but is the following ok with low light..

Scarlet Hermit Crab: 20
Blueleg Hermit Crab: 20
Nasssarius Snail: 10
Emerald Crab: 5
Coral Banded Shrimp: 1
Sally Lightfoot: 1
Turbo/Astrea Snail: 20
Cleaner Clam: 2

[wesley6610]

I don't see why you can't put those janitors in there, however do you have enough waste to support that many? You might have to feed them clam, fish or shrimp unitl you actually have some waste for them to eat. I use raw shrimp from the seafood section of Giant mostly with great success.

[docjones]

I might need to do that then, all that will be in the tank is 60lbs of live sand and 105lbs. So I might need food then yes?

[wesley6610]

Just a little bit of food, nothing that will pile up and creat extra phosphates or nitrogen products. I would put a seaweed clip or potatoe chip bag clip in there with a small piece of raw shrimp or fish for like 2 hours for them and then take out whatever is not eaten. I figure let that supplement there hunger until you get some fish and corals in there and then they should be able to "live off the land." If not, you might still have to give them food to prevent starvation and invert loss.

[docjones]

Awesome, thanks for the advice.

[wesley6610]

Anytime and if you have more questions feel free to ask

[pete york]

is a cleaning crew absolutely necesary? if so what would be good for my 30 gallon all i have in it right now is a coral banded shrimp what else should i get?

[wesley6610]

Originally Posted by pete york

is a cleaning crew absolutely necesary? if so what would be good for my 30 gallon all i have in it right now is a coral banded shrimp what else should i get?

Yes, if you want to try the all-natural way of algae and detritus control it will be necessary for you to invest in a cleaning crew. For a a tank that size I would suggest about 1 - 2 dozen hermit crabs, 8 - 12 snails and perhaps a cleaner shrimp or two.