Are hermit crabs good to have??

[rdefino]

I have a 75gal FOWLR. I have just picked up a hermit crab, he's pretty big. Are they good to have? I though he'd be good as a scavenger. But, he pops alot. He's fun to look at though.

Thanks

 

[StripesTheEel]

How big is big? Generally no crabs are safe,they are all opportunistic scavengers, tiny janitors help as a clean up crew though.

 

[rdefino]

The shell he's in is almost the size of a baseball.

 

[StripesTheEel]

well thats quite large... i'd return it, otherwise livestock might become deadstock..

 

[TeenReefer]

Id have to agree with StripsTheEel. I had a few larger hermits once and they would flip my mexican turbo snails over and eat them all.

 

[demodiki]

I have small hermit crabs and they are pests.

 

[Brenden]

I have small hermits and have no problems with them. I know the large ones are trouble though.

 

[melosu58]

The small ones are good clean up crews but your big one will be a problem. He`ll knock over your live rock and eat your snails. Take him back and exchange him for some small ones that wont tear your tank up.

 

[seaham358]

you want the red , blue or scarlet legged hermits.