Rjohn Posted March 23, 2009 Share Posted March 23, 2009 Are y'all sure crabs are necessary for a healthy tank? I had a frag of blue zooanthids that were perched on a shell. They were doing nicely as of 8:00 am this morning. NOW they are gone and a red legged crab is walking around in the shell. The little blues are nowhere to be found. I have a strong urge to introduce that crab to Mr Hammer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+mcallahan Posted March 23, 2009 Share Posted March 23, 2009 Some people have crabs that eat zoas. Mine have always ignored them. Asking people if they think crabs should be in a reef tank is like arguing over Ford vs. Chevy...there are two camps and people are very loyal to their opinions! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rjohn Posted March 23, 2009 Author Share Posted March 23, 2009 If I notice any more zoas missing, crabs will be on the endangered list in my reef. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cmanning Posted March 24, 2009 Share Posted March 24, 2009 They probably just cleaned them off before using it (the shell) as a new house. I don't think they ate them - so look around the tank or use a puffer (turkey baster) and puff away around the rockwork. You probably find them sooner or later and can re-glue. they "might" be stuck to a pump screen, or already taken the long ride to the sump (look in there too). the good thing is, they will survive a long time without light - so sooner or later if they didn't get shredded by pump impellers - they'll probably turn up. You'll probably be staring at a rock one day like I was and go "what'r those.... BOOGERS!?!?" and there' they'll be! (Anything in/on a shell is likely to get a hermit's attention. - sp I never had luck using shells for very long as zoo mounts) I had some hermits once... they just rip reach other up fighting over a stupid shell that wouldn't fit either of them anyway, so I thought they weren't exactly the brightest candles in the sandbed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fish are not Sea Kittens Posted March 24, 2009 Share Posted March 24, 2009 introduce them to Mr. Hammer? when did he drop his M.C. status? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Daniel Posted March 24, 2009 Share Posted March 24, 2009 Crabs are pretty useless. I honestly plan on getting rid of all but maybe two blue legs (in a 90 Gallon). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+mcallahan Posted March 24, 2009 Share Posted March 24, 2009 Crabs are pretty useless. I honestly plan on getting rid of all but maybe two blue legs (in a 90 Gallon). useless? I've seen my hermits clean up a dead fish in no time flat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caferacermike Posted March 25, 2009 Share Posted March 25, 2009 I really like having a dozen emerald crabs in my 75g. I prefer them to the annoying habit of hermits killing all the snails and each other. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.