Saltwater Invertebrate Care Guide
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Snails, starfish, worms, and other invertebrates handle much of the cleanup work in a reef tank, and filter feeders add color and movement. Most are hardy once settled, but they are less forgiving of sudden changes than fish or many corals.
Water
Keep salinity at 1.024 to 1.026 with high water quality. Invertebrates are often sensitive to rapid changes in salinity, temperature, and other parameters, so stability matters more than any single number. Always drip acclimate new arrivals.
Light
Most marine invertebrates have no specific lighting needs and do well under typical aquarium lighting. Anemones and other symbiotic species often need moderate to strong reef light.
Water flow
Flow needs vary by species. Many invertebrates, especially filter feeders, do best in gentle to moderate flow that delivers suspended food without blasting the animal directly.
Temperature
Keep typical reef temperatures of 72 to 80°F with minimal swings.
Feeding
Many invertebrates feed on plankton, suspended nutrients, or detritus in the water column or sand bed. Filter feeders such as feather dusters, cucumbers, and sponges benefit from regular doses of phytoplankton or reef snow. Tube anemones and other predatory invertebrates appreciate target feeding with small meaty foods like mysis shrimp or finely chopped seafood.
FAQ
Are bristle worms bad for my reef tank?
The common species are beneficial scavengers that eat leftover food and detritus. Their bristles can sting skin, so don't handle them with bare hands.
How many cleanup crew snails do I need?
It depends on your tank's algae load. Start conservative and add more if algae builds up. Too many snails for the available food will starve.
Why is my snail upside down?
Many snails can't flip themselves back over and become easy prey. Turn them right side up. Trochus snails are a good choice because they can right themselves.
Do cleanup crew animals need to be fed?
Scavengers and grazers usually live on leftovers and algae. Filter feeders like feather dusters and coco worms need regular phytoplankton or other suspended foods.