how many hermit crabs for a 120?

RealReef7 · 09/23/2009, 10:16 PM

What do you guys think? how many hermits/snails would you put in a 120?

bubbly · 09/23/2009, 11:02 PM

I would add the algae-grazing snails such as the astrea and cerith for sure, and nassarius snails as well (they are cool and harmless).

However a lot of people hate hermit crabs -- they kill each other and your snails a lot, for food and for homes. If you really like them you can put a few in there.

Most of your "cleanup crew" is already in the live rock in the form of bristle worms -- they are really great b/c they don't starve, but they do multiply to fit your needs.

Just add what you want when you feel you need it, or would like it.

Playa-1 · 09/23/2009, 11:24 PM

I have some hermits. It I had to do it again I think I might just put snails in.

jenjen · 09/23/2009, 11:30 PM

I maintain about 10 small hermits in my 180gal, plus 2 or 3 large hermits (ie: electric blue). Yes the little guys kill nass snails periodically, but that is part of they cycle of life and I like watching both the snails & the hermits. They also walk all over my zoanthids and make them close up... but they always re-open after 1/2 an hour or so.

I make sure to always maintain a larger population of snails to hermit crabs, but I love my little hermits and wouldn't have a tank without them.

ludnix · 09/23/2009, 11:51 PM

While most hermits will definitely kill for shells, I have never seen a scarlet hermit do it. I have some scarlets that have been in the same shell I bought them in for the past 3 years.

http://www.reefsome.com/invertebrates/Scarlet-Hermit

As for how many you get, I strongly believe you should only get a clean up crew that fits the needs of the tank (beyond your tank's volume). Are you experiencing any hair algae or settled detritus you think they can help out with?

09/23/2009, 10:16 PM	#1
RealReef7 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: bikini island Posts: 954	how many hermit crabs for a 120? What do you guys think? how many hermits/snails would you put in a 120?

09/23/2009, 11:30 PM	#4
jenjen Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Langley BC, Canada Posts: 1,710	I maintain about 10 small hermits in my 180gal, plus 2 or 3 large hermits (ie: electric blue). Yes the little guys kill nass snails periodically, but that is part of they cycle of life and I like watching both the snails & the hermits. They also walk all over my zoanthids and make them close up... but they always re-open after 1/2 an hour or so. I make sure to always maintain a larger population of snails to hermit crabs, but I love my little hermits and wouldn't have a tank without them. __________________ "Challenges forge the greatness in you" Current Tank Info: 180gal softy reef (Apr '09)

09/23/2009, 11:51 PM	#5
ludnix Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: California Posts: 3,031	While most hermits will definitely kill for shells, I have never seen a scarlet hermit do it. I have some scarlets that have been in the same shell I bought them in for the past 3 years. http://www.reefsome.com/invertebrates/Scarlet-Hermit As for how many you get, I strongly believe you should only get a clean up crew that fits the needs of the tank (beyond your tank's volume). Are you experiencing any hair algae or settled detritus you think they can help out with? __________________ -Eric Sutter Current Tank Info: 14g Biocube

09/23/2009, 11:02 PM	#2
bubbly Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 331	I would add the algae-grazing snails such as the astrea and cerith for sure, and nassarius snails as well (they are cool and harmless). However a lot of people hate hermit crabs -- they kill each other and your snails a lot, for food and for homes. If you really like them you can put a few in there. Most of your "cleanup crew" is already in the live rock in the form of bristle worms -- they are really great b/c they don't starve, but they do multiply to fit your needs. Just add what you want when you feel you need it, or would like it.

09/23/2009, 11:24 PM	#3
Playa-1 Moved On Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Laguna Niguel, CA Posts: 7,497	I have some hermits. It I had to do it again I think I might just put snails in.