When you shop through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. This educational content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice.

Best Clean Up Crew For Reef Tank (2024 Updated)

If you're looking for a way to keep your reef tank clean and healthy, a clean up crew might be just what you need. But before you buy any products, there are a few factors to consider to make sure you're getting the right solution for your tank.

First and foremost, you need to think about the size of your reef tank. Different clean up crews will work better in different sized tanks, so make sure you're choosing the right one for your setup. You also need to think about what types of animals are in your tank, as some clean up crews may not be compatible with certain species.

Another important factor to consider is the kind of maintenance required for your chosen clean up crew. Depending on the species you choose, you might need to keep them fed or provide them with special care. You also need to think about how frequently you'll need to replace any organisms that die off, as this can impact the effectiveness of your clean up crew.

Looking for the perfect clean up crew for your reef tank? Here are a few questions to consider before making your purchase: What size is your tank? What types of animals are already living in your tank? How much maintenance are you willing to do? By answering these questions, you can find the right clean up crew to keep your reef tank in tip-top shape.

10 Best Clean Up Crew For Reef Tank

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
Ideal for feeding saltwater aquarium fish, as live fish food and part of the clean-up crew for a reef tank.
2
The product is ideal for cleaning up marine coral reefs by utilizing a team of starfish.
3
This product is ideal for cleaning up aquatic environments in coral reefs and saltwater areas.
4
It is ideal for cleaning fish tanks and providing food for finicky fish.
5
The product is ideal for efficient removal of protein in saltwater aquariums up to 65 gallons.
6
The product is ideal for home or office decoration and as a symbol of abundance and prosperity.
7
Ideal for reducing ammonia and nitrite levels in outdoor ponds and water gardens.
8
This product is ideal for adding unique and colorful decor to any space, both indoors and outdoors.
9
Ideal for growing coral and marine life in aquariums with full spectrum LED lights and timer control.
10
The product is ideal for creating a thriving and visually stunning coral reef aquarium setup.
Ideal for feeding saltwater aquarium fish, as live fish food and part of the clean-up crew for a reef tank.
The product is ideal for cleaning up marine coral reefs by utilizing a team of starfish.
This product is ideal for cleaning up aquatic environments in coral reefs and saltwater areas.
It is ideal for cleaning fish tanks and providing food for finicky fish.
The product is ideal for efficient removal of protein in saltwater aquariums up to 65 gallons.
The product is ideal for home or office decoration and as a symbol of abundance and prosperity.
Ideal for reducing ammonia and nitrite levels in outdoor ponds and water gardens.
This product is ideal for adding unique and colorful decor to any space, both indoors and outdoors.
Ideal for growing coral and marine life in aquariums with full spectrum LED lights and timer control.
The product is ideal for creating a thriving and visually stunning coral reef aquarium setup.

1. Aquanursery Saltwater Feeder Shrimp: Live Fish Food

Looking for a highly nutritious diet for your marine reef fish? Look no further than the Saltwater Feeder Shrimp, which make a great micro clean up crew for your aquarium. These shrimp are known to eat unwanted nuisance algae like hair algae as well as Aptasia anemonae, making them an excellent addition to your tank. Not only do they serve a practical purpose, but they also make for a fun animal to watch in your aquarium.

Please note that shipping for these shrimp is only available on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Wednesdays following your order placement. While estimated delivery dates may be shown on the listing, it is recommended to rely on the tracking information provided to determine when your package will arrive. These shrimp are aqua-cultured by RUSALTY.

Overall, Saltwater Feeder Shrimp are a great addition to any marine reef tank, serving both a practical and entertaining purpose. Whether you're looking to introduce them to your main display tank or your refugium, these shrimp are sure to make a positive impact.

Pros

  • Highly nutritious diet for marine reef fish
  • Great micro clean up crew
  • Eats unwanted nuisance algae like hair algae and Aptasia anemonae
  • Fun to watch in the aquarium
  • Aqua-cultured by RUSALTY

2. Trublu Supply 7 Live Asterina Harelquin Starfish Clean Up Crew Invert Marine Coral Reef(Tbslsp1050)

Introducing Asterina, the perfect addition to your aquarium's clean up crew. With each order, you will receive 7 Asterina stars that do an excellent job of eating algae and decaying food. They are also a natural food source for harlequin shrimps, making them a vital part of your aquarium ecosystem.

To ensure that your Asterina stars thrive in your tank, it's essential to acclimate them to the water temperature, just like any other corals or macro. For optimal results, maintain the tank temperature within 78-80 degrees and provide a minimum of 10 hours of photo-period. It's crucial to keep your tank's parameters in check by testing and adjusting them regularly. The parameters that need to be maintained are as follows: Calcium should be within 400-450ppm, Alkalinity between 8-11 dkh, Magnesium within 1250-1350ppm, Salinity between 1.024-1.026 and Phosphate in the range of .003-.1ppm.

Pros

  • Asterina is an excellent addition to your aquarium's clean up crew.
  • They are natural food for harlequin shrimps.
  • They do a great job of eating algae and decaying food.

3. Generic Live Bristleworm Clean Up Crew Invert Worm Marine Coral Reef Saltwater Aquatic

Bristleworms are a must-have for any aquarium as they play a vital role in maintaining a balanced ecosystem. These scavengers are highly efficient in breaking down waste and cleaning through all the cracks and crevices of your rocks and sandbed. Despite their strange appearance, these creatures are highly beneficial for the health of your tank.

Upon placing an order, you will receive 5 of these wonderful creatures that are ready to scavenge and clean your tank. However, it is important to note that we do not guarantee the survival of the livestock in any tank as we have no control over the tank's setup and parameters.

It is important to be present to receive and inspect the package on the first delivery attempt as we offer a DOA (Dead on Arrival) guarantee. In case the livestock shows any signs of melting or sludge, you must notify us within two hours of delivery, providing clear pictures of the received livestock in the received condition, double bagged and sealed.

Pros

  • Efficient in breaking down waste and maintaining a balanced ecosystem
  • Highly beneficial for the health of your tank
  • A must-have for any aquarium

Cons

  • – Survival in the tank cannot be guaranteed

4. Mandarin & Finicky Fish Food Pod Boost

Looking for an efficient way to clean your aquarium? Introducing the Mix of THREE COPEPOD SPECIES: Tigriopus, Tisbe, and Apocyclops. These copepods will help you maintain your aquarium by consuming detritus, fish waste, and invasive algae naturally. This product is a combination of three different copepod species that can help you keep your tank clean and healthy. It is ideal for finicky fish and inverts such as Mandarin Dragonets, Seahorses, LPS, SPS & NPS Corals, Wrasses, Anthias, Pipefish, Clown Fish, Blennies, Clams, and other fish species.

The Mix of THREE COPEPOD SPECIES is a premium live food that comes with a "Copepod Clean-Up Crew" that can help you maintain your aquarium. It is natural and safe for your fish and other aquatic creatures. It is also easy to use, all you have to do is add them to your tank and watch them do their work.

This product comes with a 100% Alive On Arrival Guarantee, so you can be sure that you are getting healthy and live copepods that will help you maintain your aquarium. Try the Mix of THREE COPEPOD SPECIES today and see the difference it can make in your aquarium.

Pros

  • Combination of three different copepod species
  • Ideal for finicky fish and inverts
  • Premium live food for your aquarium
  • 100% Alive On Arrival Guarantee
  • Cleans your tank by consuming detritus, fish waste, and invasive algae naturally

Cons

  • – May not be suitable for all aquariums
  • – May require additional supplements for certain species

5. Coralife Protein Skimmer – Perfect For 65 Gallons!

The Coralife Super Skimmer is a high-performance foam fractionator that effectively removes dissolved organic compounds from water, making it ideal for maintaining a clean and healthy aquarium environment. It features a patented needle-wheel impeller and an aspirating venturi that create a spiraling vortex of water and micro bubbles inside the reaction chamber, attracting fine proteins and organic compounds and depositing them in the wide neck collection cup using the easy twist feature for effortless cleaning. The dual injection inlets increase bubble/water contact time and the bubble production diffuser prevents the flow of micro-bubbles into the main aquarium. The skimmer can be used in sump or with the hang on mounting bracket, and is available in 3 sizes to accommodate aquarium sizes of 65, 125, and 220 gallons. Coralife is a trusted brand of marine aquarium parts and supplies, offering a wide range of products including aquarium lighting, filtration products, marine salt mix and more.

Maintaining a healthy aquarium environment is a breeze with the Coralife Super Skimmer, thanks to its high-performance foam fractionator and patented needle-wheel system that effectively removes dissolved organic compounds from water. It also features a wide neck collection cup with an easy twist feature for effortless cleaning, dual injection inlets that increase bubble/water contact time, and a bubble production diffuser that prevents micro-bubbles from flowing into the main aquarium. The skimmer can be used in sump or with the hang on mounting bracket, and is available in 3 sizes to accommodate aquarium sizes of 65, 125, and 220 gallons.

Achieve a clean and healthy aquarium environment effortlessly with the Coralife Super Skimmer, which features a high-performance foam fractionator with a patented needle-wheel impeller and an aspirating venturi that attract fine proteins and organic compounds using a spiraling vortex of water and micro bubbles inside the reaction chamber. The collected compounds are deposited in the wide neck collection cup, which can be easily cleaned using the twist feature. Additional features include dual injection inlets that increase bubble/water contact time and a bubble production diffuser that prevents micro-bubbles from flowing into the main aquarium. The skimmer is adaptable for both hang-on aquarium mounting or in-sump setup, and is available in three sizes to suit aquarium sizes of 65, 125, and 220 gallons. Coralife is a trusted brand of marine aquarium parts and supplies that offers a wide selection of products, including aquarium lighting, filtration products, marine salt mix and more.

Pros

  • High-performance foam fractionator effectively removes dissolved organic compounds from water
  • Patented needle-wheel impeller and aspirating venturi create a spiraling vortex of water and micro bubbles inside the reaction chamber, attracting fine proteins and organic compounds and depositing them in the collection cup
  • Easy twist feature for effortless cleaning of wide neck collection cup
  • Dual injection inlets increase bubble/water contact time and bubble production diffuser prevents micro-bubbles from flowing into the main aquarium
  • Adaptable for both hang-on aquarium mounting or in-sump setup
  • Available in 3 sizes to accommodate aquarium sizes of 65, 125, and 220 gallons
  • Trusted brand of marine aquarium parts and supplies

6. Sunyik Gemstone Money Tree Home Decor

Bring the beauty of nature into your home or office with the Natural Crystal Tree with Irregular Rock Quartz Base. This unique tree of life is made from copper wire wrapped irregular chip stones and natural crystal leaves on a rock quartz cluster base. Measuring at a total length of 5.5-6 inches and a height of 9-12cm, this tree is the perfect decoration for any room.

Not only is this figurine a beautiful addition to any space, it is also believed to bring good luck, wealth, and prosperity. It can be used for chakra crystal healing or as a feng shui figurine to exchange magnetic fields and protect you from evil. The tree symbolizes never wither and fall, making it a perfect gift to express eternal love between couples or friends, or to bless a family for good luck and happiness.

Since the tree comes folded up for transport, you can arrange the copper wire and crystal stones to your own imagination. The leaves and branches are packed in a gift box and burlap pouch with the brand name 'SUNYIK', making it a great gift for any occasion. No extra wrapping is needed, and it can be stored in the burlap pouch when not in use.

Pros

  • Brings natural beauty to any room
  • Believed to bring good luck, wealth, and prosperity
  • Can be used for chakra crystal healing or as a feng shui figurine
  • Symbolizes eternal love, friendship, and family reunion
  • Comes with a gift box and burlap pouch for easy gifting and storage

Cons

  • – May require some arranging of copper wire and crystal stones upon arrival

7. Rapid Pond Water Cleaner Reduces Ammonia & Nitrite.

Microbe-Lift Nite-Out II is a specially formulated blend of nitrifiers that create a stable and healthy ecosystem for both large and small ponds, instantly working to eliminate the toxic effects of ammonia and nitrite in the water.

The cultures contained in Nite-Out II are designed to establish and control nitrification in any aquatic ecosystem. Nitrosomonas oxidizes ammonia to nitrite, while Nitrobacter oxidizes nitrite to nitrate, effectively reducing ammonia and nitrite levels in the pond.

Ponds and water gardens maintained with Nite-Out II produce an ecosphere that is welcoming to new fish. The low ammonia levels facilitate a smooth introduction of new fish to the environment, reducing the risk of fish loss.

Nite-Out II is great to use as a starter treatment before adding fish or other pond life. It speeds up the cycling process, ensuring a safe and healthy environment for your aquatic pets.

Microbe-Lift Nite-Out II is safe to use around humans, pets, and wildlife. One 16-ounce bottle can treat a 500-gallon pond for 14 months, making it a cost-effective solution to improve water quality.

Pros

  • Eliminates the toxic effects of ammonia and nitrite in water
  • Reduces ammonia and nitrite levels for a healthy ecosystem
  • Facilitates a smooth introduction of new fish to the environment
  • Speeds up the cycling process for a safe and healthy environment
  • Cost-effective solution for long-term use
  • Safe to use around humans, pets, and wildlife

8. Tiffany Purple Starfish Suncatcher

For those who love beach-themed decorations, the stained glass starfish is a perfect addition to any environment. These ornaments are versatile and can be hung in various locations such as living room or bedroom windows, office lamps, kitchen windows, and outdoor patios. They are great in and out of the sun, providing a stunning display of colors.

The stained glass starfish is a unique and high-quality gift idea for anyone who loves starfish, marine life, suncatchers, and nautical-themed charms. It is an excellent gift for family members, friends, lovers, and colleagues alike. These handmade ornaments come in a compact size of 3.1 inches in height and 3 inches in width, making it a perfectly sized small gift.

These stained glass starfish ornaments are made with high-quality real glass and are handmade by skilled artists who have been in the business of making art for over 20 years. Each piece is crafted with delicate care and attention to detail, ensuring that they are unique and beautiful. It is important to note that all of DGE Distribution's products are handmade, and there may be slight variations in the appearance of each piece.

Pros

  • Versatile and can be hung in various locations
  • Stunning display of colors in and out of the sun
  • Unique and high-quality gift idea
  • Handmade with high-quality real glass
  • Crafted with delicate care and attention to detail

Cons

  • – None

9. Viparspectra Coral Reef Led Aquarium Light.

The VIPARSPECTRA Timer Control Series V165 LED Aquarium Light is the perfect addition to any aquarium. This light has been scientifically engineered to keep the balance of the PAR output and coverage, ensuring that all photosynthetic corals receive the light they need to thrive.

With an internal timer, this light allows you to turn it on or off automatically and separately, making it easy to maintain a consistent lighting schedule for your aquarium. The dimmable feature can be used to adjust two channels brightness individually, giving you complete control over the intensity of the light.

The V165 is full spectrum with a proprietary layout that has been contributed by thousands of ReefCentral members and has had years of success. This ensures that your corals receive the exact spectrum of light they need to grow and thrive.

It is important to note that when using this light, you should acclimate your tank or new corals to the new light by slowly increasing its exposure/intensity to the light. This will help ensure that your corals are not shocked by the sudden change in lighting.

Finally, the VIPARSPECTRA Timer Control Series V165 LED Aquarium Light comes with a 1 year local warranty plus a 30-day satisfaction or return guarantee, giving you peace of mind with your purchase.

Pros

  • Scientifically engineered to keep the balance of the PAR output and coverage
  • Internal timer allows for easy maintenance of a consistent lighting schedule
  • Dimmable feature allows for individual adjustment of two channels brightness
  • Full spectrum with proprietary layout ensures corals receive exact spectrum of light needed
  • Comes with 1 year local warranty plus 30-day satisfaction or return guarantee

10. Biocube Coralife Size 32 Led Aquarium Reef Package (With New Improved Stand)

Introducing the REEF PACKAGE – a complete aquarium solution that includes the Size 32 LED BioCube, BioCube Stand, BioCube Protein Skimmer, BioCube Algae Cleaning Magnet, and Coralife Mini Hydrometer. With this package, setting up an all-inclusive aquarium has never been easier.

The Coralife NEW STYLE Size 32 LED BioCube Aquarium is an upgraded version of older BioCubes. It features LED lighting and timer capabilities, allowing users to customize the lighting cycle. The aquarium has a compact and customizable filtration chamber, hinge-top canopy design, quiet submersible pump, dual intakes, adjustable return nozzle, and clear glass back panel for easy refugium set-up. The aquarium is also compatible with all existing BioCube accessories.

The NEW AND IMPROVED BIOCUBE STAND included in the package is designed for added stability. It features a solid back panel that eliminates the need for glue during assembly. The stand is specifically designed to complement the BioCube aquarium, making it the perfect choice for those looking for a complete aquarium solution.

The BioCube Protein Skimmer helps maintain a clean and healthy environment for your aquatic pets. The skimmer efficiently removes organic waste from the water, reducing the risk of algae growth and other harmful pollutants. The BioCube Algae Cleaning Magnet is a handy tool for cleaning the aquarium glass without disturbing the aquatic life. The Coralife Mini Hydrometer accurately measures the salinity of the water, ensuring a safe and healthy environment for your aquatic pets.

Pros

  • Complete aquarium solution with LED lighting, timer capabilities, and customizable filtration chamber
  • Compatible with all existing BioCube accessories
  • New and improved BioCube Stand for added stability
  • Efficient BioCube Protein Skimmer for maintaining a clean and healthy environment
  • Handy BioCube Algae Cleaning Magnet for easy cleaning of the aquarium glass
  • Accurate Coralife Mini Hydrometer for measuring water salinity

Cons

  • – May be expensive for some customers
  • – Assembly of the BioCube Stand may be time-consuming

Best Clean Up Crew For Reef Tank FAQs

Can a clean up crew alone maintain a clean and healthy reef tank?

No, a clean-up crew alone cannot maintain a clean and healthy reef tank. While a clean-up crew can certainly help in removing excess algae and debris, they are not enough to ensure the overall health of the tank. There are several factors that need to be considered when it comes to maintaining a healthy reef tank, such as proper water parameters, adequate lighting, and a balanced diet for the inhabitants.

Regular water changes are also essential in removing accumulated waste and replenishing essential nutrients. Additionally, monitoring and controlling the growth of algae and other unwanted organisms is crucial in preventing them from overtaking the tank and negatively affecting the inhabitants.

In short, while a clean-up crew is a valuable addition to any reef tank, they are not a substitute for proper maintenance and care. It is important to have a holistic approach to maintaining a clean and healthy reef tank, incorporating various techniques and strategies to ensure the overall health and well-being of the tank's inhabitants.

How do I properly acclimate and introduce new clean up crew members to my reef tank?

Introducing new clean up crew members to your reef tank can be a delicate process, as you want to ensure that they adjust well to their new environment and do not cause any harm to your existing marine life. Firstly, it is important to properly acclimate the new members to the tank water by slowly introducing them to the tank's salinity and temperature. This can be done by floating the bag they came in for 15-20 minutes in the tank, allowing the water to mix gradually.

Once they have been acclimated, it is important to introduce them to the tank slowly and in small groups over a period of several days. This will allow them to become familiar with their new surroundings and avoid any territorial disputes with existing marine life. Additionally, ensuring that your tank has ample hiding places and areas for the new members to explore will help them feel more comfortable and settle in more easily.

Keep a close eye on the new members for any signs of stress, illness, or aggression towards other marine life. If any issues arise, it is important to remove them from the tank and quarantine them until the issue is resolved. With proper acclimation and introduction, your new clean up crew members should thrive in their new home and contribute positively to the health of your reef tank.

How often should I add or replace members in my clean up crew for my reef tank?

Maintaining a clean and healthy reef tank is essential to keep your aquatic pets healthy and happy. A clean-up crew is a group of invertebrates that helps to keep your tank clean by consuming waste and debris. However, it is important to know when to add or replace members in your clean-up crew to ensure that your tank stays healthy and clean.

The frequency of adding or replacing members of your clean-up crew will depend on the size of your tank, the number of inhabitants, and the amount of waste produced. As a general rule, it is recommended to add or replace 10-20% of your clean-up crew every three months. This helps to maintain a healthy balance in your tank and ensures that your clean-up crew can effectively remove waste and debris.

It is also important to monitor the behavior and health of your clean-up crew to ensure that they are doing their job effectively. If you notice any unusual behavior or signs of illness, it may be time to replace them.

In conclusion, adding or replacing members of your clean-up crew every three months is a good rule of thumb. However, it is important to monitor the behavior and health of your clean-up crew to ensure that your tank stays clean and healthy.

What are the benefits of having a clean up crew in a reef tank?

Having a clean up crew in a reef tank is beneficial for both the health of the tank and the creatures living in it. A clean up crew typically consists of various species of small invertebrates such as snails, crabs, and shrimp. These organisms help keep the tank clean by consuming algae, detritus, and other waste products that can accumulate in the tank. As they consume these waste products, they prevent them from breaking down and causing harmful fluctuations in water quality that can negatively impact the health of the tank's inhabitants.

In addition to maintaining water quality, clean up crews can also help control the growth of nuisance algae and other unwanted organisms. For example, snails can help to keep algae growth in check by grazing on it, while hermit crabs can help control populations of smaller snails that may be overrunning the tank.

Overall, a clean up crew can be an invaluable asset to any reef tank, helping to maintain a healthy and balanced ecosystem that supports the growth and well-being of all its inhabitants.

What are the best clean up crew members for a reef tank?

When it comes to maintaining a healthy and thriving reef tank, having a good clean up crew is essential. The clean up crew consists of various species of invertebrates and other marine organisms that help keep the tank clean by consuming algae and other debris, as well as keeping the substrate and live rock free of detritus.

Some of the best clean up crew members for a reef tank include snails, crabs, and shrimp. Snails are particularly effective at consuming algae and other plant matter, while crabs and shrimp are better at consuming detritus and other types of waste.

In addition to these species, other beneficial clean up crew members include sea cucumbers, starfish, and various types of worms. Each of these organisms plays a unique role in helping to maintain a healthy and balanced reef environment.

When selecting clean up crew members for your reef tank, it's important to choose species that are compatible with one another and with the other inhabitants of the tank. With the right combination of clean up crew members, you can keep your reef tank looking beautiful and healthy for years to come.

Leave a Comment