snails and hermits?

[saltwaterdave]

I was thinking about adding a couple of hermits to my (wannabe reef),but I am afraid they might attack my snails,I have 9 nassarius snails,1 turbo,and 2 more I forget what kind they are,I have a couple of blue legged and about 3 scarlet hermits in my other tank, I just really don't want them attacking my snails,especially the nassarius snails. What do you all think?
David

[ChrisPrusha]

Hermits are fun to look at, but otherwise worthless, IMO. I'd skip 'em.

Chris

[saltwaterdave]

ok Thanks,I just thought maybe they were good at eating the waste,but I really don't want them eating and my snails;)

[ChrisPrusha]

Your nine nassarius snails should take care of the waste. The only problem with them is that they tend to stay on the sand, so food/waste that lands on your rock will not be consumed. Perhaps your turbo or other two unknown snails will complement your sand dwelling nassarius snails.

I have about 10 scarlet hermits in my tank...and they haven't bothered a snail yet (but they are still next to worthless, IMO). They are perhaps the safest of the hermits when it comes to snails. I believe the blue legged hermits can get a little nasty toward snails, especially when they get bigger.

There are no guarantees when it comes to hermits...so if you're not sure, pass on them.

JMO!

Chris

[organicreefer]

i like hermits myself

a good cleanup crew is all about diversity and moderation.as long as they arent starving and have shells available to move into -theyll leave youre snails alone.jmo of course

[tendar]

Scarlet hermits are the way to and do a great job scavaging the live rock and sand and dont bother snails. I keep at least per 5 gallons and 1 nassarius per 2 gallons along with other algea snails of around 1 per 2-3 gallons.

[Tervill]

I have 16 Blue Legged Hermit Crabs in my 35 g tank, and they are an excellent clean-up crew as far as cleaning the live rock and sand. They do, however, seem to attack each other once in a while.

[ChrisPrusha]

Dave,

So have we made it abundantly clear what you should do??

Chris

[saltwaterdave]

LOL........
I can see the light now at the end of the hermit tunnel...........;)
Thank You all for your input!!!!!!!!
David