Ready for the cleanup crew?

[griffen7777]

Hello all,
I'm about 3 weeks into my initial cycle and I'm starting to see some green algae over most of my live rock and some darker algae on the PVC piping for the wet/dry inlet and outlet.
I'm guessing that this is telling me I'm ready for some snails and other algea eaters?
My live rock came with a few specimens like a couple of Brittle stars, crabs and 2 snails but I'm sure a 72g is going to need much more.
So..... how many cleaner uppers should I get?

It's been awesome to discover all the living things in and on my live rock, I seem to see something new each day.

 

[DHyslop]

If you're about three weeks in your ammonia and nitrite levels should probably be falling back to zero (if they haven't already), so this probably is a good time to introduce a clean-up crew.

There's a lot of different kinds of snails out there and this is a great resource: Clean Up Crews

The article touches a little upon different the different kinds of algae, too.

Dan

 

[DrBatty]

The article DHyslop posted for you is a good starter.
In my personal experience, I have found Black Foot Trochus and Sea Hares as awesome algae eaters. You'll get a mixed response about sea hares on this site - I believe if they are harrassed they can release a mild toxin, which is obviously no good for an octo's natural curiousity. I had one sea hare in my 55 gallon tank and it was enough to do the trick, and i never had any problems.
Trochus are fast buggers, too. I haven't had wonderful luck with margarita or astrea snails....trochus tend to be more expensive [usually by a couple bucks each], but I also find them to be the hardiest and the most efficient.
As for the amount....I have a 55 gallon, and I've got 10 trochus and a couple astrea. They seem to work fine. So...maybe a few more for a 72 gallon?

 

[griffen7777]

I just checked my Ammonia level and it is indeed zero,
things are happening just as it's stated in the article.....Yay!!
I will introduce some snails real soon....probubly today.
The green algae thats bloomed is quite lovely.
The initial cycle seems to be happening sooner than expected. I guess time flies when your having fun.
Thanks everybody!!