blue leg vs red leg and questions regarding

[adee]

What is the difference? Just the color of their legs?
How do you know when they need bigger shells?
How many spare shells should you have on hand?
How many hermit crabs would be ideal for a 37 gallon reef tank?

 

[joe____17]

You should have a bunch of spare shells everywhere just in case. Blue legged are smaller than red i think unless you're talking about Scarlet hermit crabs? I believe they are vegatarians.They should know when they need a bigger shell that fits them better.

 

[black cobra]

My blue legs have already taken over some of my snail shells that they probably ate

 

[dskrezyna]

I was suggested to get 10-15 hermits for my 37g tank.
Ive heard the reds are bigger than blues thus have more oxygen and last longer, thus more expensive.

 

[tinderly]

I found finding spare shells to be a pain. You can find them on the internet but unless you were planning to buy other things from that website the shipping and handling hardly make it worth it. However you can go to a hobby/craft store and buy a package of shells (meant for decorating with). I boil mine just to make sure they are nice and clean and then after they have cooled, dump them in. They'll find them as they need them.

 

[ryan80]

I have heard that the blues are more aggressive. I have also heard that the reds like hair algae and that the blues generally eat more detritus and make a better all around clean-up crew.