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I have been looking into invertebrates for my COMPLETELY EMPTY 16 gallon. It has, saltwater and equiment, but the 20 lbs of LR hasn't arrived yet. My plan for fish is 2 oceallaris clownfish and EITHER 1 royal gramma OR 1 clown goby. I want the fish to come first- I dont want any invertebrates that might kill the fish.
Invertebrates I definitely want to keep: small hermit crabs and small snails, feather dusters, a banded coral shrimp. I have some questions about some other invertebrates:
1. Does anyone know anything about keeping oysters, not scallops, in home aquariums?
2. Are there any starfish suitable for my setup?
3. What non-prolific snails are the best detritus/algae eaters?
4. Are there any pincushion urchin vatieties suitable for my setup?
5. Will zoo-polyps take over all available rock space if left alone?
6.Will mushrooms?
7. How many snails should I keep per gallon? How many hermits?

Dont worry about awnsering all of the questions at once, just fill me in on what you know. Thanks!

1. Does anyone know anything about keeping oysters, not scallops, in home aquariums?

Oysters and scallops are very hard to keep in home aquaria, especially in small tanks because of there feeding habits. I wouldnt recommend trying it.

2. Are there any starfish suitable for my setup?

In a tank as small as yours....not really. The food requirements wont be there for them to survive.

3. What non-prolific snails are the best detritus/algae eaters?

Even the prolific snails are good in SW tanks....I would have to say Astrea snails are the best algae eaters and Nassarius vibex are best for detritus.

4. Are there any pincushion urchin vatieties suitable for my setup?

The tuxedo urchin would probably be your best bet.

5. Will zoo-polyps take over all available rock space if left alone?
6.Will mushrooms?

Yes, both of them will

7. How many snails should I keep per gallon? How many hermits?

Id probably start off with a couple snails, and 2-3 hermits. You can always add more of a clean up crew once you see what your tank is going to need.

Can I add a couple of snails and hermits while the LR is cyclinng?

Thanks!