Adding Hitchhikers?

[gonzo620]

Hello folks

So working at the LFS has its perks and I’m thinking I found another plus. We have a tank that seems to have exploded with Stomatella snails. Being as these aren’t readily available to most reefers and can be a great addition to my CUC, I’ve been thinking about bringing some home.

This brings me to the question. Has anyone ever purposely introduced what are know to be hitchhikers into their tanks. Whether it be snail, bristle worms, or even asterina starfish to feed a Harlequin shrimp you had in a Pico tank.

Sounds like a good idea to me. If anyone thinks or has any advice on whether I should or shouldn’t add these, let me know.

 

[Crabs McJones]

I've added probably a dozen stomatella to my tank that a good friend gave me. I would definitely do it :)

 

[SandJ]

Yes, we add stuff to our tanks frequently. Just be aware of the risk of bringing undesirable pest or disease to your tank. Ick can attach itself to any hard surface. And several times I have found bryopsis growing on snail shells.

 

[lzrlvr]

I love stomatella snails I have them in my tank they just showed up and are reproducing

 

[gonzo620]

Alright! Brought home about a dozen, can’t wait for them to reproduce in my tank.

 

[Crabs McJones]

Alright! Brought home about a dozen, can’t wait for them to reproduce in my tank.

You'll never know it though ;) I added a dozen to my tank months ago and haven't seen one since. They're very reclusive and come out primarily at night lol.

 

[Gareth elliott]

I have a chiton or 2 that i also rarely see.
Pods ime outperform most cuc. If i come across an lfs that has them in sterile culture(no corals or fish) i always add to my cart. Hoping their pods contain some species or strains not in my tank already.

 

[gonzo620]

You'll never know it though ;) I added a dozen to my tank months ago and haven't seen one since. They're very reclusive and come out primarily at night lol.

Well great... lol. Nah as long as they’re putting in work I’m good.

I have a chiton or 2 that i also rarely see.
Pods ime outperform most cuc. If i come across an lfs that has them in sterile culture(no corals or fish) i always add to my cart. Hoping their pods contain some species or strains not in my tank already.

That reminds me. It’s been a while since I added pods.

 

[kirstyflash]

Love them! They are super cute and amazing coloured. Mine have metallic red shells, the biggest is an inch long when stretched out

 

[lzrlvr]

Mine come out all the time and are very active i also have nassarius that are doing very well plus some other snails that like to leave the water and then move back into the water when they want to.