how to stock a nano reef.

[Raul]

I have seen that I should start with the cleaning crew, then corals and last fish if I intend to add.

For the inverts what would be a good choice for a 10g nano.

[Darbex]

Nassarius, Nerites, Ceriths, and DIBS Turbos. Check out reef cleaners he has packages just get half of whatever it says.

[porkchop]

I have has great luck with margarita snails, two hermits, and my cleaner shrimp.

In my six gallon, I have three snails and the one cleaner. You may want to double that count. Also, I am about to add a couple nassarius snails to work on the sand bed.

Be sure to give your hermits some extra shells to take over as they grow, it will keep them from attacking your snails. At least that's the advice I've been given.

[Raul]

Nassarius, Nerites, Ceriths, and DIBS Turbos. Check out reef cleaners he has packages just get half of whatever it says.

he has like a 10g and 5.5g only snails, I guess I should get the 5.5g package and can I add hermits with spare shells?

[porkchop]

That would work.

I don't think you *need* the hermits, but to me, they are the very interesting and add much to the tank.

Also, a shrimp or two would be great, just because they move a lot and look good. They make the tank seem alive, even without fish.

[Darbex]

Hermits will murder the nerites and ceriths no matter what. I have hermits and even added tons of empty shells while they did use them they still killed my other snails.

[Raul]

well in that case I will go with only snails as a start.

so you say go for the 5.5 gallon correct? instead of the 10g package

[porkchop]

Wow. That's good to know. Thanks. I haven't had any issues with them and the margarita snails.

[Darbex]

Yeah they usually send a ton of snails in those orders. I know Jeb and MJ got twice as many snails as the order said was coming.

[johnnymisty]

Hermits are also a pain in the but knocking corals over

[Raul]

what about adding also an emerald crab, I didn't realized hermits will be a problem with snails but always though of having a crab in the tank.

will a single emerald be ok.

[Darbex]

They eat hair algae until they can get meatier foods. I feed my tank a lot to keep fat happy fish and corals so there is plenty of times the emeralds will just wait for food to come near them because its tastier and easier to get.

[Raul]

well I went an ordered only the package of snails since it is free shipping, adding the crab ended up that I needed to use overnight and it was going to be $30.00 extra just for shipping , I might look in the LFS for the crabs, since even that might be expensier I would think it will be less that the $30.00 of shipping.

[myjohnson]

I don't trust crabs of any kind....