how often do u replenish critters?

[DMK]

just wondering how often u guys replenish critters( snails, crabs, etc.)? my tank is almost 2 years old and am about to replenish for 3rd time. they don't live forever.

[calonzo]

I added a bunch of snails and hermits a couple of times because I heard that you need as many as 1 per gallon. But most of them always die.

I have a 45 gallon tank and a 7 gallon refugium. Combined, I have maybe 10 each of the Cerith, Astraea and Nassarius and blue-leg hermits.

I guess if there is not enough for them to eat, they die. That can't be good for the water quality, so I don't add any more now.

Chris