Newbie question: Hermit Crab

Where do you guys think the best place for shells is? My lfs likes to hold on to them for the hermits they have and doesn't give them up easily. I've looked at places like LiveAquaria but they still want $34.99 shipping for some empty shells!!

 

best bet for you is to wait on the next order, then tell them to add some empty shells to it
I prefer shell less crustaceans, but If I can help it wouldn't use them at all, and only stick
to snails instead.

 

Hi -- my hermit crab (Obi-Wan) has molted twice in my new acquarium. I've noticed a pattern: he gets really active, then all of a sudden hides in the reef and remains there for about two days. This time (third) he has been active for going on four days. He did move some last night, crawled out and ate some algae, then resumed his inactivity. I don't know if he is molting or dying. My concern is the molt (if that is what's happening) seems to be taking twice as long. as it has in the past.

Any thoughts?

 

Best bet is to try to have some shells bigger than the ones there in, that way when its time they have the new shell ready. Or as others have said, they will kill and steal for new shells.

 

I had to go to an art store to get mine. Just make sure the natural and don't have any lacquer or stuff on them.

 

I personally bought like 25 at a time all different sizes most make it some don't. But now there are some vaccant homes. I wish i knew there was a demand i was throwing them out by the hand full from my 55 cause i HAD a wrasse that feasted on snails and crabs. No fishy......thats a bad fishy...those are my snails....

 

I just watched five small blue legs rollin around in a mass of legs and shells tryin to get each other out. My LFS gives the extra shells for free, maybe yours will too, When my blue legs get too big (they move into the large empty shells in tank) I move them to my sump, LR and fuge there, they are very happy! Good luck!

 

Just bought some 'natural' tropical snail shells for bathrooms from ebay. They have arrived and are perfect size, got about 50 for £3. My blue legged hermit changed into his new shell the night I added them.

 

My hermit in its winkle shell with tiger glass shrimp cleaning it:



Its new shell:

 

I would also wash them really well and rinse very very well before putting in my tank...