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need clean up crew advice. hermits vs. snail

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by Travis G, May 20, 2013.

  1. Travis G

    Travis G Experienced Reefkeeper

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    Im noticing an algae bloom in my cycling 20 long. In the past ive done hermits and snails but it seems my hermits eat the snails.... any input is appreciated. Thanks!
     
  2. Lee

    Lee Experienced Reefkeeper

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    Do you know what type of algae? diatoms? cyano? Hermits do usually eat snails... the small blue-legged ones and scarlet red ones are the most peaceful..pretty much most other types are going to eat anything slow enough for them to catch.
     
  3. Travis G

    Travis G Experienced Reefkeeper

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    Its a new tank so im guessing diatoms. I've had blue and red Legged and I've seen them both picking my snails after they fallin off the rocks.
     
  4. That is strange that you have had the blue and red legged hermits kill snails. What types of snails were you using in the past? I use Turbo, Astraea, and Nassarius snails along with my red legged hermits and I have never had any problems or lost any of them.
     
  5. Travis G

    Travis G Experienced Reefkeeper

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    I had astrea. I also go tired of them eating each other. Mayble ill just stick to snails.
     
  6. Jamie

    Jamie Well-Known ReefKeeper Vendor

    591
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    I've always used scarlet reef crabs they are the most peaceful ones (and the best looking IMO). I never had issues with them picking off snails. I don't think that they are the same as red legged ones. For snails I mostly have Banded Trochus Snails.
     
  7. nickbuol Here fishy, fishy, fishy...

    718
    Marion, IA
    Ratings:
    +17 / 0 / -0
    I have NEVER had good luck with any hemits. They ae scavengers that will make a meal out of anyhing if they need to. Heck, a marine "stocking" expert over at ReefCentral even says that you always run a risk with hermits that they will kill snails for shells or food.

    I guess if you fed them enough and had plenty of empty shells, but I had them killing off just about all of m snails regardless of size in my 75 gallon FOWLR that I had years ago.

    I am snails only now and it works out great.

    Oh, I've had blue leg and scarlet ones in the past.

    I guess each situation is different.
     
  8. jstngates Experienced Reefkeeper

    Toledo Iowa
    Ratings:
    +40 / 1 / -0
    The hermits are scavengers. I have 100 in my tank. I think they do good together as long as they are fed and you keep bigger empty shells in the tank for them to grow into. Also you may be seeing them eating snails as the snails may have died from not having enough food also. I have extra of both if you need some.
     
  9. Travis G

    Travis G Experienced Reefkeeper

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    How much do u want for some? If u have extra shells ill try hermits. I personally love them but think snails do a better job. My 20 longs been running for about 3-4 weeks and im starting to see algae so I wanna get my cuc ready thanks man!
     
  10. jstngates Experienced Reefkeeper

    Toledo Iowa
    Ratings:
    +40 / 1 / -0
    50 cents a piece. Snails eat algae and crabs eat everything else. So you can't say they do a better job.
     
  11. Travis G

    Travis G Experienced Reefkeeper

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    cool. Ill chance on both. Id do 10 of each. Gonna be in cr anytime soon?
     
  12. new2salt

    288
    Mingo
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    I am getting some red algae in my tank on my live rock will crabs or snails take care of it?
     
  13. Tickyty

    Tickyty Well-Known ReefKeeper

    446
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    This sounds like Cyano. You need to increase flow in the areas where you are seeing this. Best bet will be to siphon off or pull off by hand.



     
  14. new2salt

    288
    Mingo
    Ratings:
    +32 / 0 / -0
    Thanks tickyty i did pull some off the other day then it showed up some where else but i am lacking a powerhead that i need to replace so that would explain why it just showed up thanks for the imput
     
  15. Bigkel

    Bigkel Inactive User

    326
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    New2salt...what size tank do you have? I just got a Hydor Evo 600 that I'm not going to use. I would let it go for 30 bucks if its the right size for your tank.
     
  16. new2salt

    288
    Mingo
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    +32 / 0 / -0
    It is a 55
     
  17. Bigkel

    Bigkel Inactive User

    326
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    This would b perfect. Let me know.
     
  18. new2salt

    288
    Mingo
    Ratings:
    +32 / 0 / -0
    I see you live in north liberty do you ever make it to the des Moines area
     
  19. Bigkel

    Bigkel Inactive User

    326
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    PM sent
     

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