Hey guys need help.

[NapoliNewJersey]

Ok I got a bunch of stuff from saltwaterfish.com including 3 emrald green crabs all about the size of a quarter. I went to the LFS and got 3 more about the same size, if not bigger.

Anyway I came home from work tonight and everyone is around my tank.
They found a baby emrald green crab smaller than a dime. Could it be offspring from one of the 6 i bought?

Also, a couple of my snails turned over ... 2 in 2 days and they died. My hermit crabs are eating the inside of the snail shells. Is that normal?

 

[musho3210]

it is possible that the live rock had a hitchiking green crab

 

[NapoliNewJersey]

I thought that too but wouldn't it have did in the cycle?? I've heard that Inverts are the most sensitive to amonia and are the firsts to die. I could have been misreading/misunderstanding people thought.

 

[5xevy]

I remember reading some Anthony Calfo things mentioning that crabs are about 1/16" when born. If that includes emeralds, I would also guess it's a hitchhiker.

Also, a couple of my snails turned over ... 2 in 2 days and they died. My hermit crabs are eating the inside of the snail shells. Is that normal?

Yeah, certain snails cannot turn themselves back over. If we don't notice or catch it in time, they die. The crabs are probably trying to steal their shell after they're done with their meal. They will even kill live snails just to take their shells- pretty common. This is why some people choose to put empty shells in their tanks.

 

[NapoliNewJersey]

Ok, i'll accept the hitchiker then.


Also I have 50-75 shells all lying around. I'm worried that some of my inverts aren't getting enough food. They don't seem to be paying attention to the rock. They pay more attention to the other inhabitants. Like the snails and the other hermits.

 

[Germanman]

some just like to eat other animals...i would find out who does it and remove them or provide meaty food. also i wouldnt have so many emerald crabs in a tank that size they will soon run outa food and start going to things u wana keep even corals and slow/sick fish...all crabs are opportunistic feeders. and yea most snails cant right themselves so u have to help them ore they will die.

 

[NapoliNewJersey]

Thanks guys. I'll watch out for more snail-overs and i'll get some invert food to keep them happier.