Invertebrates - Hermit Crabs???

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Hermit Crabs???

Printed From: Utah Reefs
Category: Specialized Discussion
Forum Name: Invertebrates
Forum Description: This is the place to ask questions about invertebrates.
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=328
Printed Date: November 04 2024 at 3:20pm
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Topic: Hermit Crabs???

Posted By: jeffstone
Subject: Hermit Crabs???
Date Posted: March 21 2003 at 8:50am

Hi all:

Researching hermit crabs.....Scarlet or Blue Leg...Which is best for reef tank?

Thanks,

Jeff

Replies:

Posted By: John Fletcher
Date 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"

Posted By: WhiteReef
Date 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

Posted By: jfinch
Date Posted: March 21 2003 at 12:54pm

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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Jon

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6y_EzjI_ljbIwf2n5uNzTw" rel="nofollow - What I've been doing...

Posted By: rfoote
Date Posted: March 21 2003 at 1:08pm

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.

Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date 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.

Posted By: jeffstone
Date 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

Posted By: Firefish
Date Posted: March 22 2003 at 8:13pm

Which is better you ask? Simply answered.......which ever looks most pleasing to you. Throw in a few different ones.

Posted By: Danny Lueck
Date 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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"Ask not what your REEF TANK can do for you!!"

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