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jeffstone 
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 Topic: Hermit Crabs???
Posted: March 21 2003 at 8:50am |
Hi all:
Researching hermit crabs.....Scarlet or Blue Leg...Which is best for reef tank?
Thanks,
Jeff
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John Fletcher
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Posted: March 21 2003 at 10:22am |
IMO, Blue legs are ok, but I have read that it might be better not to have them in a reef tank. I personally have them in my tank.
John Fletcher "ReefAquarist"
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WhiteReef
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Posted: March 21 2003 at 11:46am |
I had a bunch in my 75 gallon tank at one time. Probably over 50. Now that is somewhere around 12 or so. The density that is usually recommend is due to excess algae growth in a tank and they are used as a controlling mechanism. IMO if you don't have a lot of algae growth (green hair algae) then it does not make sense to have them in your tank. Also if you have tangs and other herbivours in your tank then it also does not make sense to have them in the tank, unless you like them...then go for it. The only thing to watch out for is your snails as they will attack and kill them as they look for a new home.
I have found that they are something that people like to watch in tanks as they appear as walking rocks.
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Richard
Former 47G Column Reef, Magna
20" x 18" x 31"H
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jfinch
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Posted: March 21 2003 at 12:54pm |
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I have both blue and scarlet (many more blue then red). I don't know if it really matters or not, a crab is a crab... I've lost a handful of snail to hermits. It's hard to point the finger at which one did it if you don't see it happening. I wouldn't think of not having a tank without some type of hermit. They're fun to watch in the least.
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rfoote
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Posted: March 21 2003 at 1:08pm |
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I kind of figure a lost snail here or there is part of the deal in a reef tank. They are great scavengers in my tank and keep algae in control. I will Occasionally throw in spare shells for the hermits to move aroud from there present shell.
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Mark Peterson
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Posted: March 21 2003 at 9:10pm |
One must understand that most of the time when any kind of hermit crabs start going after snails it's because they are hungry. The same thing with coralline algae. Hermit crabs will eat it if softer, tastier algae is not available. if your tank is new and doesn't have an algae problem, don't get so many (or give them some algae pellets.)
rfoote has a good point. Many times hermit crabs placed in a new home, immediately look for a new "home". Ask the LFS for some empty shells when buying hermit crabs for a new tank.
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jeffstone
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Posted: March 22 2003 at 7:25am |
So then…out of 100 possible points…..Scarlets score 51 and Blue Legs score 49. My rocks are being smothered by algae…about 5 different types of calurpa and I think crabs are my next answer. I will be sure to get extra shells.
Thanks,
Jeff
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Firefish
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Posted: March 22 2003 at 8:13pm |
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Which is better you ask? Simply answered.......which ever looks most pleasing to you. Throw in a few different ones.
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Danny Lueck
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Posted: March 23 2003 at 10:13pm |
Extra Shells .......ALL A DOLLAR
I bought about 15 perfect sized shells for my hermits
boiled them in hot water
all for 1$
At all a dollar they have them in little pre-made baskets for your bathroom decoration.
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