Importance of Saltwater Invertebrates to the Reef Aquarium

Simply put; No reef tank is complete withouteaters. Detritus can be described as any organic
invertebrates. Invertebrates provide numerousmatter that naturally occurs in the aquarium; some
benefits to the marine aquarium, the same way theyexamples are left over fish food and fish waste.
do in nature. Algae and fish waste removal are twoDetritus can build up in the tank, dissolve in the water
of the main benefits, however there are countlesscolumn and cause elevated levels of ammonia, which
others. In this article we will discuss some specificis the number one fish killer in home aquariums. To
groups of inverts and how they can help you keepavoid this build-up of detritus, we can put
your reef healthy.invertebrates to work doing what they naturally do in
The first group of inverts we will discuss are algaethe wild. Select species of crabs, hermits, shrimp, sea
eaters. Algae eaters can help keep an aquariumurchins, starfish, anemones and sea cucumbers can
looking clean and presentable during cycling, algaehelp keep detritus under control, therefore keeping
blooms and normal growth in an established aquarium.water parameters in check and your fish healthy.
Nuisance algaes such as cyanobacteria (red slime),We have only begun to discuss the need for
brown diatoms, bubble algae, green algae and hairinvertebrates in the reef aquarium. There are many
algae can all be battled with diet specific inverts.interesting species to learn about, and many beautiful
Select species of crabs, hermits, snails, sea slugs, seacritters that can safely be kept with your fish and
urchins and starfish can provide excellent algaecorals. A good mix of invertebrates can help you
control, as well as add color and diversity to the tank.achieve a thriving, healthy aquarium with a
Another group of inverts to address are the detritus24-hour-a-day maintenance crew!