[swinginbeef]

How much do inverts contribute to the overall bioload of a system? I've got a 12 gallon with 20# of rock and 15# sand in the tank and another 5# rock in the rear chambers and was wanting to max it out at 2 small clowns w/ anemone (current) and a goby/pistol team (sometime in the future). I know that is borderline bio overload with 3 fish. The reason I'm asking is because I'm starting to notice some aiptasia and would like to add a peppermint shrimp to the mix to keep that in check. Can I get by with 3 fish, 2 shrimp, anemone, 2 snails, 2 crabs without pushing my system so close to the edge that it's only a matter of time before it crashes? If not, I'll have to push the goby/pistol pair off until I upsize tanks.

How much do inverts contribute to the bioload of the system.

[pogodzib]

Most people don't consider inverts adding anything to the bioload since you don't feed them directly and they help to break down foods and fish waste.

[rlcline76]

I feel like I'm pogodzib's minion today going back and forth.

You should be OK with the additional shrimp. Actually, doing things the natural way and not having to mess with chemicals is the way to go.

I wish I could rent my invertebrates. For the sudden problems like a couple aiptasia here and there or a small bubble algae outbreak, I usually don't need anything long term. Use and abuse my invertebrates and then pass them on to the next guy...

[NATIVEVAMAN]

I have to take the other side on this one.If it eats and poops in a tank,thats bioload.Just because a shrimp eats left over fish food doesnt mean its not creating amonia and nitrates.Snails eat algea and they still make amonia and nitrates.Maybe you dont count a shrimp as 1 fish,or a snail as 1 fish,but they are bioload non the less.