Crabs

• General guideline for stocking is 1-2 hermit crabs per gallon of water

• These are omnivorous inverts and will scour the rocks for nuisance algae, detritus, and leftover foods; therefore maintaining the health of the system and keeping it clean.

• Emerald Crabs: 1 emerald crab should be used for every 20-30 gallons.  Emerald (mithrax) crabs specialize in eating Valonia algae

• Sally Lightfoot and Arrow Crabs can be used to control Bristleworms.  They also provide an interesting and unique look. One per aquarium is all that is necessary

Snails

• Snails are an excellent addition to control unwanted algae growth on the glass.

• 1 Snail per gallon is recommended

• Astrea, Trochus, and Margarita snails can  be mixed to add variety in size, shape, and color

• Sand Sifters: Cerith, Nassarius, and   Nerite snails will help eliminate detritus, diatoms, and cyanobacteria from the sand bed, as well as keeping it from compacting.  1 for every 3 gallons is useful.

Starfish

• Aside from the beauty they bring to an aquarium, starfish can be   effective detrivors.  A serpent or brittle star should be used in every tank to keep the rock clean

• Sandshifting stars are another effective means of maintaining the sand bed

• 1 for every 50 gallons is sufficient.

• Even decorative starfish, such as Linkia or Fromia spp can help reduce algae and excess food in an aquarium.

Shrimp

• Peppermint shrimp are an effective controllers of Aptasia and Mojave anemones.  They will also keep rock clean of detritus.  1 for every 20 gallons is recommended

• Skunk, Coral Banded, & Fire Cleaner Shrimp are an excellent addition for natural parasitic     control on fish.  3 or 4 in an   aquarium will help prevent      infections by setting up a cleaning station for your fish.  Please note that Coral Banded Shrimp are good cleaners for large fish only, for they will prey on small fish.

Nudibranchs

• Various sea slugs can be used to effectively control unwanted algae growth.  Sea Hares and Lettuce Nudibranchs are    excellent at removing hair algae and are one of the most unique invertebrates you can own.  Sea Hare?s are best keep in 50 Gal & up
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Steps to increase your success...

Aquarium Illusions strives to  educate our customers with  success increasing techniques.  We care about the fish entrusted to us and we care about our  customers. Take care to add Invertebrates that are right for your type of system.  Tank mate & reef compatibility are essential in keeping invertebrates.  Also add livestock according to the maturity level of your system.

Please ask for our assistance in creating a personalized stocking plan for your system.