WWYD? CUC - crab vs snail

[Clarinuto]

The electric blue seem to be the best algae eater out there. I have a couple in my tank. I like them. They will die if they get too big for their shell and have no other to get into. Like anything if they become a nuisance for your tank then take them back to your LFS

I like mine so far also, despite the snail stuff. I’m going to give it some more time before deciding

 

[FragileReefer]

Everyone seems to be keeping both even though it's obvious that they may kill snails, is there a reason to keep hermits as a CUC member? Is there something the accomplish that no snail or urchin can do?

 

[BestMomEver]

I have the large scarlet reef hermits. I’m of the opinion that they are the best algae hermits out there. Mine have been fairly peaceful. I like to pair them with Mexican Turbos. The Turbos are too big and heavy for the scarlets to do much with. The pistol shrimp can’t eat them either!

 

[Ferrell]

I banished mine to the sump and then the QT I after killing all of my snails and one frogspawn.

 

[Retro Reefer]

I must be in the minority, reef keeping for 30+ years and have never witnessed a hermit attacking and killing a snail.. Im sure it happens but I think what most people are observing is crabs feeding on already dead or dying snails. You need a large and very diverse CUC with several varieties of snails and crabs.. if some of them die or get killed just replace them.

 

[Clarinuto]

I leave it till it’s gone, then I may or may not wait a day and replace it.

I have a small yellow tang that picks at it all day long.

I cut strips and fold them up and then band it to the rock

It only adds to your bio load once it’s eaten and pooped!

Don’t stress over it. Start with a small piece.

My seaweed eaters are very thankful to you for telling me to leave it in until it gets eaten. They are so in love with the rock that now they hang out on the rock even when the nori is gone and I have to move them to be able to take out the rock and replace the nori Thanks again!

 

[mta_morrow]

My seaweed eaters are very thankful to you for telling me to leave it in until it gets eaten. They are so in love with the rock that now they hang out on the rock even when the nori is gone and I have to move them to be able to take out the rock and replace the nori Thanks again!

You are very welcome my friend!

You made me just as happy hearing the outcome!