amount of critters

i know the rule about how many inches of fish per gallon of water. but my quetion is can you put too many critters in your tank? and by critters i mean crabs, snails and shrimp. :

 

Yes.  The important thing is how much of their diet do you have in your tank.  Algeavores need a mature tank that has foragable algea and if there is insufficient food they will starve.  This goes for most snails and small hemit crabs.

For shrimp the general one per 50 gallons.  I have two Red Skunk Cleaner Shrimp in my 80 gallon.

 

thanks craig. the reason why i asked was because my lfs told me that i should have one snail and ine hermit per two gallons i thought it may be a little high. or is it?

 

I'd start with a variety of 25 - 30 snails ansd 10 - 15 small hermits and one Cleaner Shrimp.

 

thanks again craig, i do already have a skunk, about 15 scarlet hermits but only 8 snails. so i guess i shhould step up a bit on the snails.

 

Your welcome.  I would get a mix of Cerith, Nassaurius, and Astrea snails.

 

yeah thats what i planed. currently i have only cerith and astrea snails. i am searching for nassaurius but cant seem to find any at any lfs. i may have to order some.

 

Bummer, my LFS has very good, nickel sized Nassaurius!