hermit crabs - pros vs cons
- Thread starter jimnrose
- Start date
lordofthereef
One reef to rule them all
What issues are you having with the sand? Not all hermits are a miracle cure for a "dirty" sand bed.
There are really only two major cons to owning them IMO. Larger crabs have a tendancy to become "bulldozers", knocking over any unsecured coral. Some have been reported to pick at corals as well. There is some debate on whether they are picking at corals or just finding some bit of detritus. Either way, if they hang out on the coral too long, it can be detrimental to the coral's health either way. Fortunately they are about the easiest moving thing in your fish tank to catch, outside of maybe snails, so if you do see issues, you can just snag it.
There are really only two major cons to owning them IMO. Larger crabs have a tendancy to become "bulldozers", knocking over any unsecured coral. Some have been reported to pick at corals as well. There is some debate on whether they are picking at corals or just finding some bit of detritus. Either way, if they hang out on the coral too long, it can be detrimental to the coral's health either way. Fortunately they are about the easiest moving thing in your fish tank to catch, outside of maybe snails, so if you do see issues, you can just snag it.
TrojanScott
Active member
Depending on the hermit, they'll also eat snails when given the chance. I've chosen to not use hermits any more, I prefer snails only. Nassarius are great to have. You can also use conches.
I used to keep hermits but grew tired of the mounting snail casualties. In my 50 gallon, I have 13 astrea and trochus snails and that's it. No snails losses in at least a year and only one snail has ever fallen on its back. I don't think hermits eat detritus so much as dislodge it (they seem to spit most of it out) - nothing a turkey baster can't handle.
lordofthereef
One reef to rule them all
IME they seem to tend to go for snails at or around their own size. Snails much larger or much smaller tend to be safe. Adding empty shells of various sizes to the tank can help with this.
I do agree about snails though. There are so many varieties "built" for cleaning up different parts of your tank.
I'm always syphining the sand bed to getrid of algae and detrimus. I have about 8 mexican turbos that take case of the rocks. I added a conch about 3 weeks ago but nver see it, so hope it's able to feed.
I'll stay away for hermit crabs but add nassarius & cerith snails. Should I add another conch?
Thaks for the help, Jim
I'll stay away for hermit crabs but add nassarius & cerith snails. Should I add another conch?
Thaks for the help, Jim
