time to add a cleanup crew

[trippinonreality]

I know its been asked before but what should I add.

I'd like it to be crab heavy because I like the look of crabs better than snails and to my knowledge combining the two isn't exactly ideal. I have a 55gallon long aquarium with about 100 lbs of live rock in it. A few things that I know I would like to add are:

1-2 mini seamonsters from blowfishaquatics (they look pretty cool and are supoosedly good at what they do)
1-2 abalone
1-2 fighting conches
the rest is up for grabs

I really like the look of electric blue and red hermit crabs as well as emerald mithrax crabs I just don't know how good each are at cleaning. If you could help with suggestions on what to add and where to order from it would be greatly appreciated.

[SaltyDawg]

I have an electric blue hermit crab and would advise against putting too many in your tank. He seems to like the coraleen algae more than anything else. Also I would advise against emerald crabs too, they like live rock.

I have several blue knee hermits and they seem to be doing a good job.
Wayne

[FishinInTheDark]

Do you know exactly what that mini seamonster is? I would try to find its scientific name and research a bit more. Some sea slugs (sea hares, sea apples) are poisonous and/or emit ink like an octopus.

Good luck,

Conni

[MikeS]

as for the crabs...the only one I recommend is the scarlet reef hermit, they are generally reguarded as the most "reef safe" hermit, and I have had no problems from mine. Don't however overstock them...4-6 will be plenty in a 55 IMO.

Mike

[miztahphong2]

in my 50 i have 15 blue legs and 5 - 10 red legs and 20 snails.