Hermit Crabs attacking my anchor

I have had 120g FOWLR tank for 6 years and set up first 30g reef tank. and one of my first additions was an anchor coral. 2 days later i came back from work to see my hermit crabs tearing it to pieces. This happens?!?

 

The before and after

 

Was the coral healthy? Hermits are opportunistic feeders and can be very destructive. So I'd say yes they can/will do it. Sorry for your loss

 

seemed ok for the day and a half i had it. thanks for the quick response.

 

What kind of hermits do you have. I had blue legs and other then knocking things over they didn't mess with any of my coral.

 

they are dwarf yellow tip and red tips

 

My worst experience was with my emerald crabs. I have watched as they go right up to my atomic candy cane and rip out a huge chunk. Crabs can be *******s at times. Once they die I will never replace them.