Can't keep snails / crabs alive

[Vanphyre]

Thanks all, I will post all my test results when I get back home. (sorry away most of the day today).

My test kit is a API Saltwater Master Test Kit. It has Nitrate, Nitrite, Ammonia, and High Range PH. (no copper though, have to research that one).

I use RO/DI water all the time, changed my filters around October or so last year. It's a 6 stage system, forget the name of the brand. I am cutting my feeding down to every other day now, that is another good tip.

Again, appreciate everyone's comments. Hopefully can get back on track soon!

[Vanphyre]

Ok, here are my test results.

PH = 8.2
Nitrite = 0
Ammonia = 0
Nitrate = 10ppm
Specific Gravity = 1.023
Temperature = 80deg

Also attaching some pics.

[Vanphyre]

More Pics. No clue what that stuff is growing on the sand. Doesn't look like Algae, pic might be too small for you to tell.

Tank looks cleaner right now, but if I don't keep up on cleaning the glass it gets out of control...

[thincat]

I hope you know that the salilfin will get to be ~18" and will have trouble turning in a 46g.....But still a very nice looking sailfin none the less....I don't want to turn into the "Tang Police".

[thincat]

Do you hear any clicking or poping sounds coming from your AQ (possible manta shrimp)? Your numbers seem to be okay and like Cmor said just up your gallons on your water change and that should help with your algae. How old are your lights? They may need to be changed out and that may be another cause of the algae but not the deaths of your inverts.

[Vanphyre]

Whoa TC! I have heard pretty loud clicking sounds quite often. I had no idea what the heck they were. You have me really scared now, Manta Shrimp? How on earth could I find out if I have one? lol, have never seen him if he is there... but definitely have heard those sounds!!!

Could it be my Pistol Shrimp? Was reading on Mantis Shrimp and some people say a Pistol Shrimp could make those clicking sounds as well. Maybe he is the culprit?

[thincat]

I think so, could be either a manta or a pistol shrimp, they both can do damage to your inverts if they get big enough. Try doing a google on them an see what's the best way to get rid of them. A pistol would do less damage and could be paired up with that gobie or blenny.
I'll try and find some information on both of them to try and solve your problem.

[thincat]

I found this link and it seems to be a good read:
Mantis Shrimp: Pet or Pest? - Page 2 - How Can You Tell If You Have One in Your Tank?

[Vanphyre]

Too funny, that's the same exact article I read. Well, I bought the Pistol Shrimp / Goby as a pair several years ago. He wasn't a hitchhiker, they were fun to watch cruisin around together. I wonder if now the Pistol Shrimp is just too big and killin all my crabs and snails? Seems wierd though, he didn't do that before. I need to get a red lens for my flashlight, start checking things out at night too. Still a possibility of another shrimp *shrug*.

[thincat]

Good luck, I do think that that may well be your problem. Did you see that film clip on utube about the pistol shrimp. It showed a shrimp hunting down and snapping it's claw to stun it's prey. Neat I will see if it's still there.