Using Only EcoEarth

This is where you discuss the conditions of your crabitat -- temperature, humidity, substrate, decorating, etc.
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RAHermits
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Using Only EcoEarth

Post by RAHermits » Sun Aug 25, 2019 6:23 pm

Hey everyone!


New crab owner here! I'll be moving in a few weeks, so I'm trying to have a temporary setup until I can move and have a finished setup. My concern would be having to move the finished tank and the tunnels collapsing and causing bigger problems.

Right now I've got a tank set up with only EcoEarth, is that okay? Everything else seems fine and it's nice and humid in there, I just don't have any sand. The finished tank will have the sand mixture, I just have not had the chance to grab some and mix it. Will the crabs be okay on this until this coming weekend or so until I can go grab some sand? Is that fine?


Thanks for the replies!

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Xenocrab
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Re: Using Only EcoEarth

Post by Xenocrab » Sun Aug 25, 2019 6:33 pm

I'd think as long as the heat and humidity are fine and if it's for a short time, it would be ok. My husband and I have a travel tank for when we get rescues ( we have driven for 10-12 hours in one day) and they made it home fine with just EE. Make sure they have all the water and food necessities. But, do you have any molters down?

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RAHermits
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Re: Using Only EcoEarth

Post by RAHermits » Sun Aug 25, 2019 7:02 pm

Xenocrab wrote:
Sun Aug 25, 2019 6:33 pm
But, do you have any molters down?
That I'm aware of, no. I purposely made the EE only a few inches deep, as I had read that it doesn't hold form very well and I was concerned about it collapsing if they went down.

I have one who's only partially dug himself down.

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doth
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Re: Using Only EcoEarth

Post by doth » Sun Aug 25, 2019 7:05 pm

I know there are crabbers who use only sand or only EE. the only downside I can think of is EE doesn't hold its shape well when the crabs tunnel but I'm not sure if that would make a difference in a temporary enclosure. it should hold humidity well though

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RAHermits
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Re: Using Only EcoEarth

Post by RAHermits » Sun Aug 25, 2019 7:09 pm

doth wrote:
Sun Aug 25, 2019 7:05 pm
I know there are crabbers who use only sand or only EE. the only downside I can think of is EE doesn't hold its shape well when the crabs tunnel but I'm not sure if that would make a difference in a temporary enclosure. it should hold humidity well though

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I had read that too. I was thinking I'd be OK, but I've really become fascinated with these little guys and want to give them only the best. Thank you!

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wodesorel
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Re: Using Only EcoEarth

Post by wodesorel » Sun Aug 25, 2019 7:40 pm

EE is just a bit fussy to keep at the right moisture level. A little too dry and they have trouble molting, a little too moist and it can rot and stink. Some people have no issues using it though, and it can help keep a humid tank.
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Xenocrab
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Re: Using Only EcoEarth

Post by Xenocrab » Sun Aug 25, 2019 8:15 pm

For a very short period of time I don't think it would be bad. Days or weeks, I wouldn't do it. But that's just me.

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RAHermits
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Re: Using Only EcoEarth

Post by RAHermits » Sun Aug 25, 2019 8:42 pm

Now I'm concerned 😂

Would no substrate be better than EE?? Until this weekend?


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RAHermits
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Re: Using Only EcoEarth

Post by RAHermits » Sun Aug 25, 2019 9:29 pm

Ah crap, I'm missing a crab. Now I'm really worried. I can't seem to find where he could've buried and the substrate is very shallow. Oh boy...

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Xenocrab
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Re: Using Only EcoEarth

Post by Xenocrab » Sun Aug 25, 2019 9:35 pm

No, substrate is a must

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aussieJJDude
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Re: Using Only EcoEarth

Post by aussieJJDude » Tue Aug 27, 2019 6:50 pm

RAHermits wrote:Now I'm concerned Image

Would no substrate be better than EE?? Until this weekend?
EE is fine to use by itself, just many dont reccomend it. I personally dont see an issue with using pure EE, it's just harder to get the right consistency for burrowing.

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AutumnFalls
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Re: Using Only EcoEarth

Post by AutumnFalls » Wed Aug 28, 2019 11:28 am

I've used only EE ever since I started crabbing and haven't had many problems. Every once in a while, I do 'stir' it up and add water if needed. But, I've never had problems with consistency or anything.

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gunstreet.girl
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Re: Using Only EcoEarth

Post by gunstreet.girl » Fri Aug 30, 2019 4:59 pm

I’ve used 100% EE for the ~10 years I’ve kept crabs. Never had any issues.


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