Newbie w/stupid ?

[Paul and Roxanne Mitchell]

My wife and I are new to this hobby (inherited reef tank from daughter & son-in-law). Have read, read and read and am convinced on the need for quarantine tank for new fish.

Question: Would you quarantine hermit crabs, cleaner shrimp, snails etc that are going in this same reef tank? Could pathogens come in with them or on their shells? Again, sorry for the dumb question, but we're trying to do this right and I am not experienced enough to be creating more problems than I need.

TIA

Paul and Roxanne Mitchell

[Miss_Morg]

Unlikely, but possible, especially with wild-caught. I have had hermit crabs bring in some very frightening parasites! My suggestion is put crabs in the tank while cycling, then add fish later. 'Refill' crabs - well, I've never had a problem with store bought ones, but quarantine never hurts! (Keep in mind most reef crabs are very short-lived.)

Good luck with the new tank!
Morg