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Top Invertebrates and clean up crew to add to a Reef Tank

Commonly overlooked for newcomers to the hobby is the addition of invertebrates to your reef tank

Which Invertebrate would you use in your reef tank? Here we discuss the top choices for your clean-up crew

by scott Shiles • March 20, 2023

Reef Tank Maintenance, All Corals


When it comes to adding invertebrates to a reef tank, there are several options that can help keep the tank clean and healthy. Here are some of the top choices for a clean-up crew:

Hermit crabs:  Scarlett hermit Crabs-These crustaceans are great at scavenging for food and algae in the tank. They also help aerate the sand bed by digging through it.

Snails: Trochus and Nassarius Snails are another excellent option for algae control in a reef tank. They can consume diatoms, hair algae, and cyanobacteria, among other things.

Sea urchins: Some species of sea urchins are known to be efficient grazers and can help keep the algae under control. However, it's important to choose the right species for your tank, as some can be destructive to the coral.

Shrimp: Cleaner shrimp, Peppermint and Fire Shrimp are a popular choice for a clean-up crew. They can help remove dead skin, parasites, aiptasia and other debris from the fish in the tank.

Starfish: Sand Sifting Starfish-Certain species of starfish can be helpful in keeping the tank clean. They can consume detritus and uneaten food, as well as help stir up the sand bed.

It's important to note that when adding invertebrates to a reef tank, it's essential to research each species' compatibility with the other inhabitants of the tank, including fish, coral, and other invertebrates. It's also crucial to ensure that the invertebrates are sourced from reputable suppliers to prevent introducing any diseases or pests into the tank.
If you are looking to buy corals online, we have a great collection of LPS, SPS, Soft corals, & Zoanthids to choose from.


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