Trying to plan crabs growth - shells

[Capslock]

Hello,

Simple question, if I have a bunch of little crabs, eventually they will grow out of their shells.

What does one typically do to prepare for their growth? I do not want them to end up attacking my snails for their shells, I do live near the long island sound, can I just pick up a few shells from there and cure them and be ok?

Is this not something I should worry about?

 

[Anonymous]

I'm assuming you are talking about hermit crabs? All you need do is have a variety of bigger shells lying around the tank and they will leave your snails alone...hopefully :lol: . Make sure you have more shells than crabs. If you can get them locally, by all means that's the way to go but most LFS sell them for a modest price if what you pickup on the beach doesn't suit the crabs.

 

[Capslock]

law,

yeah i should have been more specific; they are indeed hermits.

Thank you for the info.

Do you have any idea on the time frame of their growth? if I got them last week when do you think they will out grow their current shells; or rather when should i start stocking up, now? another week? later then that?

 

[Anonymous]

Depends on the species, but I wouldn't even begin to worry for a month or so.

 

[mr_X]

caps- just because you have a bunch of empty shells in your tank does not mean the hermits won't kill your snails. it's more of an instinct than a necessity.
i've witnessed crabs kill one snail, take his shell, then the next day he's killing another.