Snails, hermit crabs

Question
I have 2 saltwater aquariums, a well-established 55 gal fish only, and a newly established 30 gal reef with a few fish (mandarin goby and 4 percula). Both equipped with skimmers and sumps. I've never seen an article on the ideal number of snails/hermit crabs to use as algae eaters/scavengers. Any guidance?


Answer

Jim,

for the 30 gallon reef I would suggest (this is solely based on my experience in the field since there is no real scavenger calculator). One hermit crab and two medium turbo snails.


for the 55 gallon 1-3 hermit crabs. some hermit crabs may fight over turf and shell space so try to introduce them all at once and they should be around the same size. This will minimize fighting.

3-5 turbo snails will do if you have alot of algae then 5-7 snails will suffice. but these guys are power cleaners so 4 might be the ideal number.

I have a 55 gallon with skimmer as well.   The tank consists of 1 pair of coral banded shrimp.  2 hermit crabs, two emerald crabs, and three medium
turbo snails.  This is a great clean-up crew.

Thanks
Todd