Hermit Growth?

[MadCatter]

So... how do you go about providing shells for a growing hermit crab? Not too worried about the guys I have now.. still all seem to fit their shells.. but how do you make sure they have a new home to move into?

 

[gigmeyer]

I keep a few extra shells in the bottom of the tank for 'upgrade' purposes. I'm thinking of removing them though as they may be too big and can act as detritus traps. I'd be interested in hearing what other people do (if anything) as none of my scarlet hermits have upgraded in the 1-2 months I've had them. I did have one of them streak across the top of my live rock once, but he climbed down and put on his original shell. He had just molted and may have been looking for better digs.

 

[sianeds]

I had terrible trouble finding nice sized shells for my hermits. Every time I find promising looking shells at the LFS I pick them up and drop them in the tank when I get home. My hermits murdered some of my snails to use their shells (assisted by the goby). One of the larger hermits is now in a real fancy shell I bought. It was way too big when he moved in but he's soon grown to fill it

 

[SkiFletch]

Amen to that Sian, mine murder their way into new homes too and ignore the ones I drop in there . Hence they will all be mantis food soon

 

[MadCatter]

Hmmm.. I haven't ever noticed any shells for sail before.. maybe I'll have to look closer.