Empty Shells

[zlwags85]

Where do people get a bunch of different size shells for the crabs to move into? I asked 3 LFS's and none of them have or could get them....

I have about 65 red-legged and 35 snails in the tank and the crabs are fighting for shells.

Thanks,

0zach

[Runfrumu]

Give it time, you'll soon have 35 empty shells for the 65 hermits.

All jokes aside, I notice at my LFS that the usually have certain aquariums where they keep the most snails to make them easier to collect and there are usually alot of empty shells in the bottom from snails that have died in the tank.

[Metal7fold22]

theres a few ways i tried before....LFS do have some sometimes...when the hermits die they usually take all the shells out...dont be shy and ask them for some empty shells...worked for me....or you can buy shells...or go to the beach just make sure you boil them in water first to kill any bacteria or anything bad ya know...

[Dana19620]

Any of the hobby stores have them. I picked mine up at Hobby Lobby for $3. You may even find them at the local Wal-mart in their craft section.

[Toddrtrex]

Granted, I don't have any crabs, but I have a ton of empty shells from snails. I just re-did my 75 and most have found 15 empty shells in the sandbed. You might want to see if any local reefers have some laying around.

[aklee987]

I have gotten them at the hobby stores also. Hobby Lobby, Michaels, Joann Fabrics, those types of places. I always boil them for a while first though.

[luweiba]

what about those land snails in the garden ? Can hermit crabs use their shells ?

[zlwags85]

Hey - thanks much!

I will check out the local hobby stores like suggested above. I did ask all the lfs's and they claimed they didn't have any in there tanks....

I did see some online I could get froma few different favorite reefing sites.

Thanks again!