hermit crabs (are they actually reef safe)

[callum_parsons]

i have been researching about hermit crabs for my tank.
i have read lots of conflicting information so say they are good others say they can be damaging to a reef tank.
you guys no what your on about can you help me?
i also read that you should only have 1 per 10 gallons is this correct?
is it safer to run a reef tank without them?

[Kev]

Hi Callum

I personally have never found small hermit crabs to be an issue. I have kept mainly Red Legs. They just go out there business and I find very interesting to watch. Indeed I will be stocking up on more of these little guys in the New Year. I think they provide a valuable clean up service, and feel that a reef tank would be less fun to own without a good helping of hermits.

Don't know the names of all these creatures, but you can see some very big hermit crabs in LFS. These I would not add to a reef system.

I am not sure about a 1 to 10 gallon rule though!

Kev

[callum_parsons]

cheers kev i will get some mexican red tips from james sonnish

[Macca]

The problem with hermit Crabs is most LFS buy their hermit crabs with their corals and fish. The likelihood is they come from the Pacific / Indonesia. The main two hermit crabs from this region are blue knuckle and common algae. They are sold as Calcinus Elegans and Calcinus sp.

Personally I would not let these crabs lose in a Reef Tank. They grow and grow and grow. Best stick to the true dwarf hermits from the Caribbean/Cortex.

Reef safe dwarf Hermit crabs do not attack corals but if you put crabs into a plastic tray, listen to the noise their wee feet make scouring across its surface. If this was a coral (delicate one) it would be like sticking needles into its flesh.

That is the major downside. I am a firm believer unless a reef safe hermit is underfed and has new shell homes it WILL NOT attack a healthy snail IMHO.

All have different characters but IMHO I would always pick the Mexican red tip over blues and reds.

You have to weigh up the pros and cons and take it from there. They perform a good clean up duty and without these critters you could damage more corals without them doing what they are best at.

James
.

[Kev]

James

Thanks for this, I think I will be stocking up on red tips in future then, just to be sure:) . Altough I have personally had no problems with red legs with the coral stock in my system.

[Macca]

Sorry Kev I maybe have not explained this properly. I am no expert but have been dealing with critters for a while and in my opinion Scarlets are far to Lazy but are nearly 100% reef safe, the mexican hermit is as safe but is far more energetic. The blues are omnivores in their natural environment and out of the 3 are possibly border line reef safe.

You might think I am contradicting what I have said above about them being total reef safe, let me tell you their is no such crustacean. Shrimps (bloods, cleaners, peppermints and the rest are all carnivores, there are just some that behave better than others,

James

[Kev]

James.

I don't think you are contradicting, your post is very useful, and has just increased my knowledge by 100% plus in respect of these interesting little animals.

If the Mexicans are more active, it makes them more interesting. As I said, I will be topping up my hermits in the New Year, and will be in touch with you then.

Cheers

[Macca]

Thanks Kev, I have just read over my posts and if they have come across as being a bit forward and as if I know better then I don’t mean this. We learn from each other about what we know and passing on information is of our opinions and not fact. I urge all member to read up from as many sources as possible before making up their minds on any advice/stock we sell.

James

[Kev]

Hi James

No worries. I have not taken your posts as anything other than friendly and helpful.:) I am hear to learn and have some fun! I certainly don't know everything about our great hobby.

You are absolutley right, we are all learning from each other. :D

[course-its-reefsafe]

If I can throw my tuppence in ;)

I've not had any problems with my hermits, except that the blue legs seemed to kill all the red legs quite quickly. With regards the stocking ratio, my feeling is that its best to just add a few then add more when needed. For example, in my system I added the recommended number (whatever that was) of crabs and snails but I have very little "spare food" and no algae and so a lot of my critters have died off to just a few which must be their "natural level"

I feel that this is a shame though, and would've rather done the above than added so many of these and so many of those only for them to starve away over a period of time.

This is just my ramblings though, I'd be interested to hear more experienced views :)


Cheers

Chris :)

[Macca]

Good point Chris,

Most Reefers start and built up their clean up crew during diatom blooms only for the snails to have little food once this dies back.

I personally love critters more than fish so the critters get the main course and the fish get the left overs. :D

James

[Kev]

Given the right food levels / conditions, anyone have any idea how long these little guys live for?

[callum_parsons]

so are the red tips and scarlets are fine for a reef tank

[course-its-reefsafe]

Given the right food levels / conditions, anyone have any idea how long these little guys live for?

Some of mine I've had for 2 Years, and some of those were "second-hand" when I bought them :D

Cheers

Chris :)

[Kev]

I think mine have been with me 2 years now. I have lost a couple along the way. Just curious really as to how long they can go on for.