Hitchhiker...

**Iron E** · 05-09-2009, 09:14 PM

Hi, y'all. I just picked up some LR to seed the rock in my QT. (If you know me, you know It's all i've got so far) Well, shortly after i put the rock in my tank, out climbs a hermit crab. I am currently reading ammonia levels at .50 and nitrites at .25. The ammonia levels have been coming down since the nitrites appeared. It is my understanding that this is normal. My question is this; Will my new friend survive the remainder of the cycle? My not-so-local fish store, (100 miles away) says the hermit crabs are very hardy and should be OK. What say you all?

A few points of consideration:

I'm out of RO water. The nearest RO source is 50 miles away.

I ordered an RO/DI unit. Should be here Wed.

What do I feed this guy? there's a little green algae on the live rock along with spots of coralline. Should I throw in some nori? other than the new rock, everything in my tank is barren.

Thanks, Tom

Here's a pic of the lil' bugger...(Mexican red-leg?)

**Phurst** · 05-10-2009, 12:50 AM

Cute little guy. I'd say change some water to keep the ammonia in check, but it sounds like that's not an option. If he's made it this far, he'll probably be OK. You could feed a tiny bit of flake, or a couple of pellets once a week or so. He's not going to need much to get by on.

**Iron E** · 05-10-2009, 12:56 AM

I just got a gallon of water from a friend. I'll let it mix tonight and change it out in the AM. It's only a ten gallon tank and at this point it's mostly rock. So I'm guessing it could be a 15%- 20% change.

Thanks, Tom

**rayme07** · 05-10-2009, 03:16 AM

I agree with what Pearson said.

I love hitchhikers they are so fun when you find new ones that are good he is one of probably many you will find.

**CarmieJo** · 05-10-2009, 05:02 PM

I wouldn't recommend adding critters to a cycling tank but hermits are pretty hardy. As far as food, it will also pick at the algae.

**NanoRyan89** · 05-11-2009, 01:54 AM

Cute little guy. Seeing as he made it this far, he will do ok. By the looks to be healthy. Feeding him is really nothing. a 1" x 1" piece of nori will do him good for a week...i think. Hermits dont require much to eat. And there should be some food for him on the LR you ordered.

What did you name him?

**Iron E** · 05-11-2009, 07:01 AM

Thank you all for your reassuring perspective. I am doing everything I can to get his water changed out to keep the toxins from doing him harm. Is there such a thing as too much water change? All of the water I have changed out so far has been RO water with the salt mixed in for at least 8 hours. (in a bucket with a maxi-jet, aerating) I have not been changing more than 10 - 15 % at a time and I have been siphoning it in through a small air hose so as to not effectively alter the water temperature. (There has been no visible change in temp according to the thermometer)

Thanks again, Tom

**CarmieJo** · 05-12-2009, 01:42 AM

I think a 10-15% water change should not be a problem. The only "drawback" to doing a series of them at this point in time is that your cycle will be extended.