red white spotted hermit crab

[sdaviegirl]

Hi folks,
Just joined this forum today. I have a hermit crab that I got when I just cycled my tank 1.5 years ago. he is now HUGE and I am just learning he is a "bad guy" meanwhile he has done no harm in my tank (except clean up every piece of food on the sand bed and if a fish dies I see no trace - but he has never attacked another fish). I have a snowflake eel, clown, blennie and another pretty guy and they all coexist nicely and I am embarrassed to say I have a 20 gal tank. ANYWAY, Mr. Feisty is now too big for my tank and he is in an extra large shell (yes, that is the crabs name). He is so massive and I am not ready to buy a larger tank just for him and he is making a wreck of the place. that is not to say he is a "bad guy" as I have read on this forum, he is actually quite entertaining... but I need to accept the fact that I can not accommodate his growth. He turns over large rocks, the only time he is quiet is when he is molting! Ideas? Btw, for those who are looking for one I realize they might be tough guys but they are entertaining and you can feed them yourselves. My boys love him.

Thanks,
Sarah

 

[Calappidae]

Yeah I'd consiture upgrading, not for the crab but for the eel.

These hermits will get much bigger.. I've seen one twice the size of my head.

Just make sure he's well fed or he might try to grab the fish!

There is always the option of setting up another tank as well if you really want more livestock or need to sleep at night without worrying who's getting eaten.

Welcome to RC!

 

[Noah 123]

Whitespotted hermits are nasty. One at my lfs was 4 times the size of all the others and would just wreck havoc! It stared me right in the eyes too! :bigeyes:
Pretty creepy...

 

[Shawn O]

If you like him that much, I'd suggest setting up a larger tank, just for him. It's not the price or popularity of any particular critter in the tank that make us want to keep them, but how much enjoyment we get from them. If you enjoy this hermit a great deal it only makes sense to keep him in an environment that is proper for it's health and well being, as well any other critters in with it. Perhaps you have a sump/fuge he can live in?