Hermit crab compatibility

[rudie]

Hey there folks. I’m pretty new to this hobby with my gf and we have a 40 gal going that’s doing really well

That said we need to get some clean up crew and thought we’d be able to save some money here as we live on the ocean in the pacfic northwest (Vancouver bc Canada) by using local hermits in our reef tank. Our thought was to quarantine them for a month to make sure they’re pest free but I’m not sure if the crabs would be compatible in a reef set up, the biggest issue I’m concerned with is temperature.

The place I would get them from has nearly identical salinity as our tank, I haven’t checked the chem levels yet. In the summer time the area they’re in is quite warm as well

Would these work or would they die or pose a threat to our tank? Any help would be appreciated!

 

[Gumbies R Us]

You would need to check with your local regulations before you start taking stuff from the ocean. A lot of places don't allow it, and can result in some hefty fines

 

[Uncle99]

Hey there folks. I’m pretty new to this hobby with my gf and we have a 40 gal going that’s doing really well

That said we need to get some clean up crew and thought we’d be able to save some money here as we live on the ocean in the pacfic northwest (Vancouver bc Canada) by using local hermits in our reef tank. Our thought was to quarantine them for a month to make sure they’re pest free but I’m not sure if the crabs would be compatible in a reef set up, the biggest issue I’m concerned with is temperature.

The place I would get them from has nearly identical salinity as our tank, I haven’t checked the chem levels yet. In the summer time the area they’re in is quite warm as well

Would these work or would they die or pose a threat to our tank? Any help would be appreciated!

At the end of the day, a crab is a crab and will likely cause you issues if not now, in the future.

I removed every single crab 6 years ago now.

Since then I’ve had no mysterious disappearances and I am no longer replacing snails.

Beware!

 

[rudie]

At the end of the day, a crab is a crab and will likely cause you issues if not now, in the future.

I removed every single crab 6 years ago now.

Since then I’ve had no mysterious disappearances and I am no longer replacing snails.

Beware!

Could you elaborate? Not sure what you mean by mysterious disappearances. Were not huge fans of snails which is why we’re looking at crabs

 

[rudie]

You would need to check with your local regulations before you start taking stuff from the ocean. A lot of places don't allow it, and can result in some hefty fines

Ty! Should have clarified this in my original post but have already done this and found a way to do it legally

 

[Uncle99]

Could you elaborate? Not sure what you mean by mysterious disappearances. Were not huge fans of snails which is why we’re looking at crabs

Sure.
I have found crabs generally are more trouble than help. Many don’t do much for clean up after they learn that meaty food comes regularly.

Most are opportunistic feeders, if they can catch it, they will eat it. Have had them either bother, or taste coral polyps.

Mysterious death is when something just dies overnight, like a polyp damaged or missing fish if they bed down at night.

One of mine, actually caught a clown fish by the tail and was walking around with him somewhat live.

If you want them by all means get them, many have them in their tanks.

For me, none, zero, I can’t afford to take any risks with them, even emeralds which are supposed to be safe and eat only algae can go rogue. I want everyone in my tank to place nice.

I use only a diverse snail population which does either clean surfaces or churn sand, in addition to rock solid water chemistry and a diverse micro fauna population which are experts in keeping all rock work clean and sand white. Haven’t touched the sand or rock in years.

Just my experience with them. You may have better luck.

 

[rudie]

Sure.
I have found crabs generally are more trouble than help. Many don’t do much for clean up after they learn that meaty food comes regularly.

Most are opportunistic feeders, if they can catch it, they will eat it. Have had them either bother, or taste coral polyps.

Mysterious death is when something just dies overnight, like a polyp damaged or missing fish if they bed down at night.

One of mine, actually caught a clown fish by the tail and was walking around with him somewhat live.

If you want them by all means get them, many have them in their tanks.

For me, none, zero, I can’t afford to take any risks with them, even emeralds which are supposed to be safe and eat only algae can go rogue. I want everyone in my tank to place nice.

I use only a diverse snail population which does either clean surfaces or churn sand.

Just my experience with them. You may have better luck.

Thanks so much I really appreciate the feedback and will talk to my lady about it. I like snails personally but she really doesn’t lol

 

[dedragon]

uncle99, have you tried scarlet, halloween, or electric blue hermit crabs? They get bigger and i cant really say how much they actually help with cleanup, but they are the only ones that have never bothered a coral or snail. They have the biggest shells in the tank anyway so no reason for them to

 

[kevgib67]

I’ve never had any problems with dwarf red and blue leg hermits.