If you’re thinking of setting up a reef aquarium, then you’re probably scouring the internet for information on the best type of marine life to stock. Well, one of the first things to consider are long-legged saltwater hermit crabs. Why? Well, not only do they add color and variety to your aquarium, they are relatively inexpensive to buy and easy to feed. There’s more to these little critters than meets the eye, however. With that in mind, here are a few reasons why a seaworthy hermie pet is an absolute must for your reef aquarium.
Considered reef safe
Experienced reef keepers will tell you that most species of long-legged hermits are considered reef safe. It is best to buy the smaller varieties as they are less likely to destroy corals, eat other fish or disturb the finely balanced structure of your aquarium. Instead, they sit comfortably with other types and species of marine life in perfect harmony.
sand screens
Certain species of these particular hermies are known as sand sifters. This means they comb the bottom of the tank that the substrate is on, picking out detritus, other fallen debris, and any uneaten food that falls to the bottom of the tank. They have even been known to eat feces. This means that they function as a kind of biological sand filter system.
vacuum cleaner
These particular Hermies are very good vacuum cleaners. This means they swim through the water, sucking up unwanted particles, keeping it clean and free of debris like red slime algae that could develop over time
food finder
As the title suggests, these Hermies are natural scavengers. This means they will comb your reef tank for food particles and find their own food source. So you don’t have to feed them often. Be aware that if the algae in your reef aquarium are drying out you will need to make sure you supplement their diet by giving your hermies some dried seaweed as this will provide all the nutrients they need to stay fit and healthy be.
As you can see here are some of the reasons why long-legged saltwater hermit crabs make an excellent addition to your reef aquarium. They are masters at keeping your tank or aquarium in the right natural balance which in turn supports all of the other marine life that lives in it. They also add a fun element to your aquatic paradise as they are constantly changing their shells. After all, their lifespan can be quite long, so you don’t have to replace them every few years. So when setting up your reef tank for the first time, the aquarium fish should be at the top of your list every time.
Thanks to Tod Schaffer
