Ceriths Snails becoming meals for Hermits?

[PeregrinTook]

I added I believe ten ceriths to my CUC and a couple days later I noticed hermits wearing there shells. Im not sure if the snails ate the or just kicked them out of their shells. I'm hoping some got down into the sand but I notice a good amount of hermits with new shells. Is this very common I don't think Ill buy anymore if they just become food.

[Rabidgoose]

I added I believe ten ceriths to my CUC and a couple days later I noticed hermits wearing there shells. Im not sure if the snails ate the or just kicked them out of their shells. I'm hoping some got down into the sand but I notice a good amount of hermits with new shells. Is this very common I don't think Ill buy anymore if they just become food.

This is in fact a pretty common occurrence. Crabs are almost always on the hunt for better living quarters and they often acquire it violently.

chuck

[PeregrinTook]

Thanks I figured. For those who use both snails and crabs as part of their clean up crew do just keep adding these snails or give up. From what I read they are real good eaters and I would like to use them.

[Rabidgoose]

Thanks I figured. For those who use both snails and crabs as part of their clean up crew do just keep adding these snails or give up. From what I read they are real good eaters and I would like to use them.

You can buy empty shells and put those in your tank. That will help with some of your losses but replacing the snails periodically always seems to be needed when crabs are around. At least IME I have also used nassarus vibex and fighting conchs to help with the sand bed, the crabs don't seem to bother them as much that i've noticed. I have a filefish that eats the vibex like popcorn tho.

chuck

[PeregrinTook]

Yea i have some switching shells I probably could use more though. Eh im sure Ill end up getting more at some point.I have Astrea,a couple bumblebees, two spiny stairs that don't seem to be doing well, and a couple turbos right now. I think I will be adding some Nassarious soon to move my sand around.

[MizTanks]

I have 1 blue leg hermit in my 26g and a ton of snails. I've found the fewer crabs you have the less likely they are to compete with others for snail shells. Thus leaving the snails alone

[Tom@HaslettMI]

I don't keep hermit crabs for two reasons...

1) they kill snails for the shell
2) they steal food from corals when I target feed

They will also kill each other for shells if there are not enough spares... perhaps why Miz has only one?

Tom

[MizTanks]

I don't keep hermit crabs for two reasons...

1) they kill snails for the shell
2) they steal food from corals when I target feed

They will also kill each other for shells if there are not enough spares... perhaps why Miz has only one?

Tom

Exactly why I have only 1