Questions to ask when adopting from Craigslist?

[hprmom]

Since all but one are down in our 10 and 20 gallon tanks, I've delayed purchasing what will eventually be their combined home (looks like I am unintentionally going to manage them all through first molts in their own tanks). I'm glad for the delay, though, because I'm re-evaluating where I'm headed in terms of how big our next tank needs to be. I was originally planning for a 35 gallon cube (20") or a custom 42 gallon (30x18x18). Clearly I can't resist looking at Craigslist... so I need to plan for a little more room than I originally was. Question, and here I'm asking for your personal opinion because I've already read all the "crabs per tank" guidelines and articles: how many would you consider max for a 30x18x18 (42g)? Or a 40 breeder or 50 (same footprint but an inch or two taller)? My hesitation on the latest Craigslist crabs is size, they look to be medium or larger, and with my current five mediums I could run out of room fast as they grow. This seems to be a popular size, I never see any crabs smaller than medium for adoption or for sale at local pet stores.

I don't know how you vet potential adopters, but I'm going to pm you information from a "crabs wanted" Craigslisting in Ocala, perhaps she would be a good candidate for a Florida adopter. There's a self-advertised rescuer in Tampa, too, but that listing expired and I didn't copy down her info.

[wodesorel]

By today's standards it would be considered overcrowding, but historically 8 crabs in a 40 breeder is the max and worked out well.

[CallaLily]

Go for the biggest tank you can afford and fit. Length x width is most important to consider. Height is good -you need enough for deep substrate and climbing room- but imo that footprint is most important.

[AleyedtoBuggie]

What is a footprint? I've seen this meantioned a few times and as a newbie, I'm lost.

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[marandashermies]

What is a footprint? I've seen this meantioned a few times and as a newbie, I'm lost.

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the footprint is the length and width of the tank, or the surface area. The footprint is very important, because this is where the crabs live and bury underground. So height is great, for climbing and such, but the footprint is most important, so you know how much space you have for your crabs to safely molt and not be overcrowded.