Cleanup crabs

[bigjohn]

I've got about 10-12 black-and-white legged hermit crabs in my 135 display tank for cleanup. They seem to do a fine job of sweeping up anything left on the substrate. Unfortunately, they also seem to be pretty proficient at eating my snails. Case in point, I introduced 12 new nassarius snails about 1 month ago and I have already counted 5 empty snail shells.

Some of the hermits have grown to nearly 3/4" from their original size of less than 1/2".

Should I remove the bigger ones, or just leave them??

[gregt]

I'd get rid of them all and replace them with more mild hermits such as scarlet's (true scarlet's only) or blue-legs.

[bigjohn]

I've read some discussions about different types of hermits, but how can I be sure I'm getting true scarlets (or the right blue-legged crabs)??? How many should I have in a 135 gal. tank???

[gregt]

Good questions. Personally, I'd order them from a reputable on-line vendor. I believe we have several sponsors that sell cleanup crews. Maybe some other members can give you feedback on good places to get them.

[Geoff]

i do not have any crabs in my system, well i do have a couple of acro crabs, but they never leave their colony. i just do not trust them. they will kill for new homes and if they are hungry. i prefer to use snails.

G~

[bigjohn]

Thanks, Geoff!

I was considering that option, but every post I've read about cleanup crews include hermits. Do your snails do a good job with uneaten food??

[Geoff]

the nasarrious snails are great for that. they motor around and hunt down the food. i have some bumblebee snails also, i have heard some bad things about them, but for now they seem fine. they may eat other snails.

i like the snails also because they will reproduce in the aquarium, so you will not have to refresh your populations. ceriths, trochus, nasarrious, and strombus will readily reproduce.

G~

[squid]

I did ditto on getting rid of the zebra crabs (black and white legs) They are mean, and constantly hungry. From my understanding they were introduced a few years back, and almost everyone who purchased them is sorry they did. Yes they will kill snails, yes, if given the chance they will eat your shrimp. They grow very fast and consume whatever they can get ahold of.

As to being sure you get the "good" scarlet's. Very easy to tell. They are very bright red, with a bright yellow face. Most of the blue leg hermits are very small. Granted they grow up, but slowly and do a wonderful job of cleaning up.

I'll attach a picture of the scarlet

[Spanky]

and here's a picture I borrowed from Greg of the true blueleg/tricolor.

http://store.saltyzoo.com/wetgoods/i...e-legs-512.jpg

[ReefDave]

consider switching to emeralds? They are a bit more expensive, and great on the algea....then you can just get some nass snails to take care of the food on the sand bed....

[bigjohn]

Thanks for all the replies.

Step 1. Get rid of the zebras!!

Anybody have any suggestions what to do with them??? Their legs aren't big enough to make a decent meal.

[squid]

Stir-fry? ick, puke...know anyone who has triggers?

[Mkelly]

Toss em in a sump or bring em back to the LFS maybe trade them.


Or could be truely evil and see who has a hungry mantis shrimp. I just got the last of mine and out tossed em in the sump till I get to the store this weekend. Didn't have the heart to off them even after they ate God only knows how many snails and a couple of queen conch's.

[salt creepette]

dumb Q, are scarlets and red legged the same?

[squid]

No salt, the red legged hermits are very dark almost rust red. No yellow head. They also like to eat snails and whatever they can.