Best Clean Up Crew Combination for a Mixed Reef Tank?

peakera

New member
Mar 4, 2026
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Hi everyone, I’m looking to improve the stability of my mixed reef tank and would love some advice on building the ideal clean up crew. Right now I’m running a standard mix of snails and hermit crabs, but I still struggle with patches of algae and leftover detritus in low flow areas.

For those with established tanks, what clean up crew members have worked best for you long term? Do you prefer a heavier snail population, or do you mix in shrimp, conchs, or urchins? I’m especially interested in options that are reef safe and won’t disturb corals.

Tank size is 75 gallons with moderate stocking. Appreciate any recommendations or experiences you can share!
 
You might want to check your flow and NO3/PO4 levels first. What types of snails are you using? Any dead spots? Adding trochus or nassarius could help with algae and detritus. Then you can sit back, play your basket random, and wait for the results.
 

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