populating my tank with critters

[edshern]

i emailed an internet fish site the following message. their answer follows.
Your thoughts would be appreciated.
QUestion:
I would like to add some critters to my reef tank.What do you think would be appropriate for my tank.
92 gallon corner tank started 4 months ago
220 watts power compacts (half actinic)
berlin skimmer, uv. , 20 gallon sump
3 bags live sand and 2 bags aragonite
7 small fish (scooter blenny, 4 chromis, pacific blue tang, neon dottyback )
bunch of hermits and snails (from original cleanup crew)
1 sandsifter star, 2 emerald crabs, 1 cleaner shrimp
corals, about 15 (softs and lps)
what critters should i add?

ANSWER FROM NET FISHSTORE:
We'd recommend a package, (billable total 119.90), with emphasis on detritivores and grazers, and a couple of corals, as listed below.

Thank you,

Reef Amphipods
WonderMud
Live Sand Activator

Nerite Grazers 6
Baby Hawaiian Turbos 6
Strombus Grazers 6

Baby BristleWorms 6
SandBed Clams 6
Anthelia Polyps

Mama Mia Worms 6
______
What do you all think of this package

 

[Anonymous]

Sounds like a 9-99 from IPSF. It's a good deal. I think many people hear have bought this package and most are happy with it. I don't know to much about the WonderMud though?

You say you have a bunch of hermits and snails form you original cleanup crew. Are you sure that you need more detritivores? You don't want things to starve to death. If you do need them then this package offers nice diversity.

IMHO
Louey

 

[fishfarmer]

It's a good deal. I liked everything I got from IPSF two years ago, except the anthelia and lefthand hermits(they grow big, they are now in a fowlr tank).

The anthelia is a weed, pretty, but still a weed. If you get it watch it's growth and never cut it in your main tank or you will have it everywhere.

Most of my nerite snails have either climbed out or died.

The strombus went through a population explosion the first year and have since slowed down.

My mature trochus are gone.

The hawaiian turbos are reproducing and doing well.

The microhermits that came with the LS activator are still small and seem well behaved.

The few brittlestars that came in the wondermud are populating my sump sandbed.

Don't expect a lot of LS and mud, read their web page. It's 300 ml of stuff they send you. The mud is mostly water with a little bit of substrate, but plenty of organisms.

[ March 29, 2002: Message edited by: fishfarmer ]</p>

 

[MontanaRocknReefer]

I also got the 9 for $99 from IPSF and was very happy with it. You can also get a kit from http://www.inlandaquatics.com as well. The more diversity in your DSB infauna the better. Johnny