can i add a cleaner shrimp?

[Jewells]

I have a full tank atm I know but can I add a cleaner shrimp to my 12g bowfront (no fuge or sump) or would it be too much?
2 green chromis
1 bi color blenny
1 peppermint shrimp
2 cerith snails
1 babylonith snail
1 (sold to me as turbo) looks like another, still, a snail
10 various very small corals (added less than a week ago)
lots of pods and bristle worms

I only ask because I hear they are good at cleaning any type of pests on fish and coral so it was a thought.

 

[DaveK]

I would say that you already have the tank maxed out as far as stocking goes. I would not add anything else.

You can not depend on cleaner shrimp to control "any type of pests on fish and coral". This is not a good reason to add them to a system. Yes, cleaner shrimp will sometimes tend wounds and such on fish, but they will not go after the main parasite diseases, SW ich and velvet. Save your money.

 

[BigAl07]

I concur

 

[Jewells]

okay thanks, are they too big for a 12g if I decide to get rid of something and add one? Do they get along with peppermint shrimp? I notice they can get pretty big.

 

[goldenmean]

The 3 fish in a 12 gallon tank is where you overstocked.
How old is your tank? If it is relatively new keep a close eye on ammonia levels

btw A cleaner shrimp will fit in a 12g tank

 

[Jewells]

my tank is close to 3 month old and I keep a close eye on all the parameters because of having the 3 fish in there. Also I add water and do partial water changes every week. So far so good. I have a huge snail in there that probably gives off more waste then all 3 fish combined. LOL Thinking about getting rid of it. Lots of little guys in there cleaning up the waste as well. pods, mini serpents, bristle worms. I like the looks of the cleaner shrimp too.

 

[DaveK]

The snail isn't much of a problem compared to the fish when it comes to generation waste products. It may be big, but it moves slow. Fish tend to be active.

 

[Jewells]

So, is it safe to say that I can take a fish out and leave the snail, (that leaves a nice pile under him while sleeping) add a cleaner shrimp and it would be good? Or take a fish out and the snail and get a shrimp?

 

[1Reefer]

If it was me, and you feel you are doing fine keeping the water params in check, I would just swap the peppermint shrimp for a cleaner shrimp... if you start adding more corals the peppermints can be a bit iffy, and I have a 72 gallon, I would hate to deal with one tromping all over my corals robbing them of their goodies lol just IMO here stupid peppermints.. I have like 5 and they are great in there own ways but man are they ever theaving little ehhm...