Snails or hermits?

[Mark_C]

So, in my continuing (and seemingly winning) HA battle I did a massive tank clean today.
Of my scores of snails only a few small ceriths survive, along with a turbo thats grown the size of a golf ball.

I know a combo of snails + hermits eventually = hermits.
I do like snails, nice, slow peaceful.
But, is it time to give hermits a go for the algae?
If so, any advice on type?

Also, what are the chances that hermits will go after softies?
Seem to remember one in the past tearing up a torch in the tank.

 

[MadReefer]

The scarlet, red leg and blue leg hermits eat hair algae.

 

[Roca]

I've never seen any hermit I have (scarlet,blue, zebra, and a red legged) show any interest for any softie or lps unless they are trying to steal food.

 

[Humblefish]

The scarlet, red leg and blue leg hermits eat hair algae.

+1 I also like how they are able to reach inside little nooks & crannies with their claws. Hermits are more interesting too. The only downside is they like escargot.

 

[Mark_C]

OK then, I'll give hermits a run this time. Always hated the things, but...
So, do I need to pick up some extra shells with the order to accommodate growth?
And any further recommendations (aside from scarlet/red/blue) that are any better/safer/more efficient at cuc things than others?
Advice appreciated.

 

[Hockeynut]

OK then, I'll give hermits a run this time. Always hated the things, but...
So, do I need to pick up some extra shells with the order to accommodate growth?
And any further recommendations (aside from scarlet/red/blue) that are any better/safer/more efficient at cuc things than others?
Advice appreciated.

Go for it I always have a mixture. Also never added shells for them. I did have a population of snails if they got to big they just found the right snail and you know.

 

[Sponge]

Well once again I differ from the masses. I went with hermits/snails. And hatted them. Yes hermits are interesting. Fascinating intact. But they destroyed my snail population. And even kill each other. All of which adds to unwanted nutrients in the water and a need to buy more of them. For me it was a loosing battle. Since that experience I switched to tuxedo urchins and emerald crabs. Super duper effective. The urchins could work for a good landscaping company. I mean they are tenacious algae eaters 24/7. And the emerald crabs are way more interesting than hermits. Eat hair and bubble algae. And never ever stop reaching deep into crevices to get that last morsel of food or detritus. Im very interested to find out others experience with this combo. Has been spectacularly good for my tank. Perhaps however I just got lucky.

 

[jgraz]

Basically what everyone else mentioned. If you like snails don't add hermits. But for hair algae, tuxedo and pincushion urchin's are the way to go. But they need to be kept well fed and they lend a lot of wast to the system. And if you enjoy nice purple, pink, and red rocks, skip the urchin, they will eat coralline as well. And lock down everything you don't want moved. They will pick up armor and push things out of the way. They are surprisingly strong movers

 

[Sponge]

Basically what everyone else mentioned. If you like snails don't add hermits. But for hair algae, tuxedo and pincushion urchin's are the way to go. But they need to be kept well fed and they lend a lot of wast to the system. And if you enjoy nice purple, pink, and red rocks, skip the urchin, they will eat coralline as well. And lock down everything you don't want moved. They will pick up armor and push things out of the way. They are surprisingly strong movers

When I put my first Urchin in. What a mess. Moved everything I have since glued stuff down and left a few “toys” for the little fella. Seems to have really helped. And he does eat coraline but no where near the rate my tank produces it

 

[Humblefish]

Basically what everyone else mentioned. If you like snails don't add hermits. But for hair algae, tuxedo and pincushion urchin's are the way to go. But they need to be kept well fed and they lend a lot of wast to the system. And if you enjoy nice purple, pink, and red rocks, skip the urchin, they will eat coralline as well. And lock down everything you don't want moved. They will pick up armor and push things out of the way. They are surprisingly strong movers

+1 The only thing about urchins is they are sensitive to high nitrates and changing water chemistry in general. They do best in stable aquariums.