Hermit Crabs and empty shells to have...

[RaymondL]

I'm thinking to add a single blue hermit crab just for some diversity in the tank and to help with keeping things clean.

I understand that I need to have empty shells in the tank, so that the crab can 'change' into. I'm assuming that this is because they grow and need a new shell. The question I have is how many shells should I be having for a single hermit, and what of the size I should be adding?

Do adult size - full grown hermits change shells for the heck of it?

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

It just needs a slightly bigger shell at some point, its not urgent.

I usually clean and keep my snail shells, to use as hermit shells. You can buy hermit shells, many LFS have them by the cash register.

I just leave 2 or 3 empties in the tank for them to choose from

 

[RaymondL]

It just needs a slightly bigger shell at some point, its not urgent.

I usually clean and keep my snail shells, to use as hermit shells. You can buy hermit shells, many LFS have them by the cash register.

I just leave 2 or 3 empties in the tank for them to choose from

Thanks, so if I understand correctly, whatever shell they are in now, get one that's slightly larger, and then get another one slightly larger and so on for a total of 3.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Thanks, so if I understand correctly, whatever shell they are in now, get one that's slightly larger, and then get another one slightly larger and so on for a total of 3.

I don't know how often then molt, I meant that I only leave 2 or 3 shells on the sandbed, I don't like to clutter my sandbed. But they keep the shells for a couple of months before upgrading, its not like they need a new shell every week. Cheers

 

[Nemo&Friends]

They do change sometimes for the heck of it, or because their new shell was not good enough. I had one who changed to a new shell, then back to his old shell, then changed again.
They also have favorite shapes. Their favorite has the shape of the nassarius snails.

 

[SteveMM62Reef]

Seashellshop.com “Indian Shell Mix.” You’ll have more shells than you’ll need. Mix them in with your gravel, for homes, for your Copepods and Amphipods. As a precaution, boil the Shells in a glass pot for a few minute, before adding them to the Aquarium.