amount of critters

[tresguey]

i know the rule about how many inches of fish per gallon of water. but my quetion is can you put too many critters in your tank? and by critters i mean crabs, snails and shrimp.

[Craig Manoukian]

Yes. *The important thing is how much of their diet do you have in your tank. *Algeavores need a mature tank that has foragable algea and if there is insufficient food they will starve. *This goes for most snails and small hemit crabs.

For shrimp the general one per 50 gallons. *I have two Red Skunk Cleaner Shrimp in my 80 gallon.

[tresguey]

thanks craig. the reason why i asked was because my lfs told me that i should have one snail and ine hermit per two gallons i thought it may be a little high. or is it?

[Craig Manoukian]

I'd start with a variety of 25 - 30 snails ansd 10 - 15 small hermits and one Cleaner Shrimp.

[tresguey]

thanks again craig, i do already have a skunk, about 15 scarlet hermits but only 8 snails. so i guess i shhould step up a bit on the snails.

[Craig Manoukian]

Your welcome. *I would get a mix of Cerith, Nassaurius, and Astrea snails.

[tresguey]

yeah thats what i planed. currently i have only cerith and astrea snails. i am searching for nassaurius but cant seem to find any at any lfs. i may have to order some.

[Craig Manoukian]

Bummer, my LFS has very good, nickel sized Nassaurius!