DSB & Hermit crabs

[yiorgo]

Hi Anthony,

I am setting a 24 gallon nano reef ( I will be also setting a 180 gallon in about six months to a year). I am a big fun of DSB; however, I read a few posts that hermit crabs or other sand shifters may be harmfull to a DSB.
Any experience on the matter??

Thanks,

Yiorgo

 

[rick rottet]

JMO
If the DSB is in a lighted display, some critters are beneficial to stir up the upper layers. Creatures such as sand dwelling snails, bristle worms, small hermits, cucumbers, will constantly move around and keep the top of the sand loose. This allows the oxygen to diffuse through the DSB more effectively and prevents the lower layers of the sand from becoming anoxic (no oxygen). We want hypoxic (low oxygen) condititons in the deepest parts of the sand bed to aid in nitrate reduction.
If the DSB is in an unlit vessel connected to the display, no critters are really necessary.

 

[Anthony Calfo]

there are merits and demerits to adding so-called "sand-sifters," most doing more harm than good in my opinion and almost none needed if/when you have adequate water flow to keep solids in suspension.

I rarely if ever recommend hermit crabs for reef aquaria for any reason. Long term they will be a problem and do far more harm (to fauna and infauna) than good.

In such a small tank, you can enjoy your DSB simply with good strong water flow (30X min tank turnover)