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Cleanup Crews: Snails, Hermit Crabs, and What to Choose

 Cleanup Crews: Snails, Hermit Crabs, and What to Choose

“Cleanup crew” is a catch-all phrase aquarium keepers use for invertebrates that help reduce leftovers—such as algae film, uneaten food, and detritus—so the rest of the system stays more stable. Two of the most commonly discussed options are snails and hermit crabs, but the best choice depends on your tank’s conditions and what you actually want to clean up.

Snails tend to be straightforward: they graze on algae and biofilm, and many species tolerate a ra ... Read more »

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