Dwarf Zebra Hermit Crabs

[Drfu]

I have been thinking of adding some crabs to both of my nano tanks for a while now but have always been worried about them munching on my cuc. I have read online that of all of hem a dwarf zebra would be the best for small reef tanks, one is 8 g & the other is 15. I would like some input on this species as a choice and have some questions:

1) is this a good choice for these small tanks?
2) where in Calgary does a lfs have these
3) is there a rule of thumb of how many?
4) i know you need to have some extra shells laying around, any particular types of shells?

[hfp75]

Yes the dwarfs.... Picies or however you spell it...

[BuschWacker]

I put 3 zebras in my IM nuvo 8. One killed the other two, then proceeded the wipe out all of my snails, and pretty much every other cuc I tried to add since. Doesn't touch my cowries though, and two nassarius are quick diggers so they've been safe.

[Drfu]

Originally Posted by BuschWacker

I put 3 zebras in my IM nuvo 8. One killed the other two, then proceeded the wipe out all of my snails, and pretty much every other cuc I tried to add since. Doesn't touch my cowries though, and two nassarius are quick diggers so they've been safe.

I have the nuvo 8 as well & thats what im worried about, i have cereths, nerites, trochus, nassarius & bumble bee snails and some sexy shrimp.

So the question is, would you even buy one again givin your experience? How were they with your corals?

[BuschWacker]

Personally I would not buy another one. He's good with corals, hangs out in my birdsnest, but doesn't harm it in any way. I also had a few scarlet hermits, and they were model citizens. Never fought, or bothered anything else. I enjoy the crabs in larger tanks, but don't think I will put them in nanos anymore. I never actually see it doing anything constructive. At least my snails are always cleaning. The crabs only ever sit and stare at you from across the room.

[Drfu]

Originally Posted by BuschWacker

Personally I would not buy another one. He's good with corals, hangs out in my birdsnest, but doesn't harm it in any way. I also had a few scarlet hermits, and they were model citizens. Never fought, or bothered anything else. I enjoy the crabs in larger tanks, but don't think I will put them in nanos anymore. I never actually see it doing anything constructive. At least my snails are always cleaning. The crabs only ever sit and stare at you from across the room.

Good advice, i thought as much! I just wanted to add something new that was colourful and entertaining but it sounds like its a mo in your opinion and having the same small tank helps. Would a 15 gallon column be any different in your opinion?