snails an crabs

[batman13]

how do u know wen u have to many snails an crabs in ur tank?

 

[teresaq]

when the crabs start killing the snails because they dont have anything to eat.

How many do you have and what size tank

 

[batman13]

i have a 14 gallon an i didnt get any yet because i gave a hydrometer that sucks so i got my water tested for salinity at a reef store an it was to high so i couldnt get any, but i was thinkin 1 emerald crab an like 2 hermits an a few snails

 

[teresaq]

How old is your tank and is it cycled??
the emerald will need algea, is there any on your rocks??
2 ot 3 hermits and 4 or 5 nass snails would be a good start
T

 

[batman13]

its not that old but ya there is algae on the rocks that they culd eat, thanks for the advice

 

[teresaq]

you could also add a few Nerites. They are a good allround snail
Eat both algea and Detritus

 

[tang master]

i had those nerites infest one of my clams at one point.

 

[batman13]

wat are nerites a snail?

 

[cranberry]

Nerites are one of my favourite snails. They are herbivores, Some are intertidal and tend to crawl out of the tank. I find that to happen more with the one that has a ridged shell, the one with the smooth shell stay in the tank IME.

 

[batman13]

they actually climb out of your tank? do they do that often?

 

[cranberry]

I think it's pretty common for one type to do it.... you'll find them feet away from your tank.
My smooth shelled ones never do it.
Lemme go get my pictures of the 2. I was going to post it earlier but one has may name all on it and it looks silly. The pic was for a store who was selling them. I can't find the one without my silly name and drop shadow......

 

[cranberry]

These are climbers.....

These are not....

If there's a little lip on the top, they usually don't get out as bad.

 

[batman13]

which is the smooth shelled ones?

 

[cranberry]

Both are nerites. The smooth shell does not try to escape.

 

[batman13]

those are pretty cool lookin, would u suggest gettin a few ur no?

 

[cranberry]

I have them in many of my tanks. They are a nice hardy snails.