Marine Invertebrate-Only Aquarium

[HappyPotatoes]

Hello,

I'm new to this forum and I'm not sure if I'm making this thread correctly.

I'm wondering whether it's possible to create an invertebrate-only aquarium, and whether anyone has attempted it. It'd would also be nice to know the minimum aquarium size in gallons needed to attempt such a feat.

For example:
If I was to make an aquarium with 4 blue-leg hermit crabs and a few snails (with rocks in the area to create hiding places and such), how small could it possibly be? What snails are compatible with that species of hermit crabs? What possible errors could pop-up?

 

[EmdeReef]

Welcome to R2R!

You can certainly make an invert only tank. Personally, I would never run a marine tank that’s under 10g more from the maintenance standpoint. I’m sure in your case 5g would work.

The biggest issue I see is that crabs are opportunistic feeders and may find your snails appetizing at some point.

 

[Halal Hotdog]

Bigger is not always better, but I feel a minimum volume is necessary for long-term success. For what you want I think snails only might be a good option. Depending on species, they can survive on algae alone. No predators means they can breed. 10 gallons is doable, however 20-30 gallons is large enough where if you get a little relaxed on maintenance, everything won't die.

Crabs will find food, even if that means killing snails. You will also have to feed them, which may cause a nutrient issue.

 

[skipm]

Definitely doable. I have a 6 gallon Nano Cube that I am considering setting up with sexy shrimp and snails with a few softies, zoos and maybe a ricordia.