Shells from a craft store

[topofsteel]

I have been looking for shells for my hermit crabs to move up into and had no luck at the LFS. But I did find a pretty good selection at one of those big craft stores. Are these OK to use? If so do I need to clean them in anything other than hot water? Thanks.

 

[michaeltx]

if you can find a place that doesnt have any treatments to it then they will do great but beware most of these are treated with something to keep them looking good over time. and wouldnt do very well in the tank.
Mike

 

[topofsteel]

That was my concern, some kind sealant or something. The bag also says some may by died. So where can I get shells? This site sells them but only 1/2" size. I tied the LFS, no luck. I have a strawberry hermit that's looking for a shell with at least a 1" diameter opening. And I have several blue leg hermits that came in really small spiral shells. Well one of them has moved into a Nassarius shell and I think it's way too big for him. Thanks again.

 

[poppie-seed]

I have shells I picked up on the beach in daytona wonder if I could use them. :notsure:

 

[f14peter]

Wow, I find it strange that the LFS doesn't have any shells. Have you asked for any empties from their tanks? The LFSs around here have tons of empty shells, but they're not displayed seperately but scattered throughout their display tanks and will throw in a handful if you ask when buying something.

 

[payton 350]

i know what you are talking about ..the 1/2 inch shells are way to small it's hard to find that right next size......one of my little red legs went from a shell that was 1/2 inch right to a 2 inch conch shell which i thought was too big for him then to a 4 1/2 inch conch shell which is way too big for him but it's working for him and i guess time will let him grow into it......pretty funny to see this little guy in this huge shell.....
usually an lfs will have them for about a 5-10 cents apiece or they will just throw them in as a bonus if you ask.....i've also used from a craft store with no ill effects....at least that i'm not aware of.......but wherever you get them from boil the shells first

 

[payton 350]

don't get painted or designed ones........no good

 

[vtfishies]

i used shells from a fabric store..boiled for 20 mins..let cool..dropped em in..still good a year later and the crabs love the different sizes..IMO..i'd do it again if needed

 

[alyssia]

I use shells from craft stores. Lots of people do. Just boil them first, like mentioned above.

 

[chuckcac]

some online stores sell shells for aquarium use -