
10 Favorite Cleanup Crew Members for a Saltwater Aquarium
Author: Adam MonteLast updated: Jul 24, 2026
A good cleanup crew can make maintaining a saltwater aquarium much easier, but not every member of the crew does the same job. Some animals graze algae from the rocks and glass, some search the sandbed for leftover food, and others help keep detritus from collecting in places you can't easily reach.
Before we get started, it's important to mention that this isn't a ranking of the absolute best cleanup crew animals for every aquarium. It's a collection of Will and Kyle's 10 favorites based on usefulness, personality, appearance, and the interesting ways they contribute to a reef tank. Some are excellent choices for almost any aquarium, while others need a larger, established system with a specific type of food available.
Remember, a cleanup crew should support a good maintenance routine, not replace it.
For more information, including the top 10 details as well as the video and bonus 11th, please go here:
10 Favorite Cleanup Crew Members for a Saltwater Aquarium
Discover 10 favorite reef tank cleanup crew members, including snails, hermit crabs, urchins, sand sifters, and algae-eating fish.