New to reefing.

[ElGuappo]

Originally Posted by BigA

I might have to go pick up some rubble. That sounds like a good idea. You are right about the hermits. Their need for new shells could turn out to be an expensive propositon. Could a person buy some larger empty shells from somewhere and put those in as an alternative for the crabs? I've seen bags of shells at michael's for a couple of bucks before.

yes these shells from mikes are fine just make sure to boil them first. i have 34 g system and in it i have 12 hermits 5 turbo snails 12 margarita snails 2 dovetail snails, the hermits have killed the margs for their shell but only happened twice. i also have a sally light foot 6 shrimp of 3 varieties, a emerald crab. i dont feed any of my inverts at all. if they can catch food when i feed the fish fine but fish poo is fine for all these suckers.

And welcome aboard

PS i would stay away from turbo snails as they are incredibly clumsy. they will knock corals all over the place. just my own experience. the mexican turbos anrt as bad.

[Whatigot]

you can add shells toy our tank, sure.
But, hermits are really finnicky when it comes to their homes.
I have a TONNE of shells in my 72 gallon reef, like 10 per hermit of all shapes and sizes and my hermits still prefer to take the astraea and margarita shells.
I guess maybe it's something about a fresh shell versus one that is "used".

I used to think it was funny, but with snails costing between 2 and 3 bucks a piece and hermits not even being a neccessary addition to a clean up crew they have lost their humorous appeal.

[BigA]

That definitely will add up after some time. With the cost of livestock, any dollar that can be saved by not having to replenish snails is a good thing.

[ElGuappo]

i think the fresh water shells are to soft/brittle for their liking. i have some, one is currently being used but he shaped it to fit by breaking all the weak parts off.