Should I get rid of my Horeshoe Crab?

[Joey]

I was reading in one of the forums that horseshoe crabs eat the stuff in your sand and then they slowly die Can't i feed them something so this doesn't happen or do I need to give the "lil" guy back to the LFS?

Thanks,
Joey[/b]

 

[reefrunner69]

It may or may not take to an alternate diet, but the big concern is size. These critters get to over 24" in diameter excluding the tail. That combined with having a dead sandbed...I would return it.

 

[Joey]

Wow!! It is also in my other tank that is only 29 gallons the only other thing in there is a sea urchin. That thing ate all my rock!! He must have been hungry!! I don't know what to do with that tank!! So i may just keep it as a quarentine tank for my big one? But thats not any fun!!!!

Thanks for reply,
Joey

 

[two11devan]

Yes, I would return it. I made the mistake of getting one for my 30 gal tank and ended up taking it back the same day after I talked to some folks on here.From what i was told, it will destroy your DSB in its search for food.