Metal and Latex Question

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Sep 04, 2006 12:35 pm

I read JMT's post "New thoughts on metal ions and crabs" and I have a quick question. I was considering putting in a second level in our crabitat because it's so tall, and we [maker and I] found this PERFECT shelf at Linens n Things. The only thing is, it's a "chromed stainless steel" expanding shelf. I was just curious about the chrome. Will it harm the crabs? I also had the idea to dip it in latex type stuff, like the stuff you dip your tools in to get the grip on them. [I haven't done it yet] But I thought of that incase the chrome wasn't good for them. Is the latex bad for them, or would it work to cover the metal? The shelf is perfect, but I want to be sure it won't harm the babies, or it is going right back to the store! So any feed back would be fantastic. Thanks in advance for all your help!

Nicole · Post by **Nicole** » Mon Sep 04, 2006 3:50 pm

Hey! I never noticed that you two are together. LOL I had to go back and read the thread by JMT (now moved to Archived Crab Miscellaneous). http://landhermitcrabs.com/eve/forums/a ... 6251041551. It's not conclusive on the stainless steel being safe or unsafe, from what I can tell. I did some searching on Google and found this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stainless_steel. If you scroll down it does say that exposure to sea water and high temps can corrode stainless steel. So IMO I would avoid this item for your tank, until more is known.I honestly don't know what to say about covering it with latex. Unless someone weighs in that has actually had experience with this kind of thing, I would go with plastic shelving for a second level.

Pharfly1 · Post by **Pharfly1** » Mon Sep 04, 2006 4:41 pm

what kind of latex is it? I have used rubbertex to make molds before, I wonder if it is the same stuff the coated shelves have on them... I think I'd read the label, it'll be safe if it is food safe for humans(I don't know many food use items you'd want to cover with latex...). Non-toxic stuff can still leak chemicals, while food safe is just that! Another thing with the coated and to be coated, Knowing my hermies, your crabs will probley enjoy stripping the plastic(or latex) off...

breezeetew · Post by **breezeetew** » Tue Sep 05, 2006 2:45 pm

I was just looking at petdiscounters at aquarium ornaments and thought of this post.wigglies octopus has stainless springs that are supposed to be aquarium safe.

NewCrabber · Post by **NewCrabber** » Tue Sep 05, 2006 3:46 pm

quote:Hey! I never noticed that you two are together. LOL Think about it, haven't you noticed how they look at each other. quote:We're sneeky. lol! Um, not quite. You've given yourselves away many times. In the short time you've been with us it seems like you're such a cute couple.Back on track, haven't tried anything like this, but I'd think the humidity would affect the chrome eventually and with the latex, It's possible they'd have it nicked up and peeling off in no time if they climbed on it enough.

tnyfootprntz · Post by **tnyfootprntz** » Wed Sep 06, 2006 7:12 am

I use a small rack that is white enamel-coated steel. I noticed last deep clean that the enamel has been picked off one of the legs and it started to rust, so, yeah, they'll pick off latex or whatever, probably. I'm still using it though. I dabbed aquarium sealant onto the legs and slipped plastic drinking straws over them. It's something I'll have to keep a check on, for sure, but for now it stays till I can find something similar that's all plastic.

Maker · Post by **Maker** » Wed Sep 06, 2006 8:36 am

Hmmm...So I was thinking, and in accordance to JMT's post as well, that stainless steel and rust shouldn't harm the crabbies if they don't harm sea life, and don't let off the harmful metal ions like copper, but chrome is definately the x-factor in the equation isn't it. And Pharfly1, I'll check the label in the store next time I'm in, and post it's contents and if it says lethal to humans and such.Thanks for all the help so far!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Sep 08, 2006 1:13 pm

The chrome is the bad part...and i wouldnt be so sure rust isnt bad for them...its the outcome af a fairly strong chemical reaction and since it bcome flaky anf powdery when it rust it muight be eaton by the crabs.just my input

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Sep 08, 2006 2:05 pm

Yeah. I read up on what chrome is and it's pretty much chromium on top of nickel plating... so I think we're just going to take our absolutely perfect shelf back to the store and start the search again. I don't want it to hurt anyone, so it's just the better idea. thank you for your imput.

Post by **JediMasterThrash** » Fri Sep 08, 2006 3:53 pm

While the chrome might be bad, back to the latex question, that might be OK.I use these mini-cube build-your-own-shelf units. They're metal wall frames that are covered in rubber/latex/plastic/something.The crabs pinch them as they climb them, which exposes bits of metal under the coating. After extended exposure to salty mist, they do rust. I've just taken to throwing out any cube-walls that are overly rusted inbetween deep cleans. But so far I can't say the rust or coated metal has had any adverse reaction with the crabs.The corner waterfall was held together with screws, and the screws started rusting immediately, since the waterfall is constantly wet, and i used it for salt-water the first iteration. So I assume the water had rust in it then, and nothing bad happened. Eventually I removed the screws so that I could use a larger base, so I don't have that problem anymore.

NewCrabber · Post by **NewCrabber** » Fri Sep 08, 2006 5:27 pm

Not that I can say I know anything about the subject of the affects of rust when it comes to hermies, but I don't think I'd be as concerned over an immediate reaction as I would be about a toxic build up long term.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 1:47 am

Most Chrome I know of is Chrome plated and only when the Chrome has chipped off due to hard damage it rusts on the bar below the Chrome. They make Chrome Steps and rails for Trucks and they don't rust untill they have been through an accident where the finish gets cracked. It doesn't rust when it gets scratched though just when the whole layer of the Chrome gets a full crack in it.

Maker · Post by **Maker** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 2:37 am

I know chrome doesn't smell like some of the harmful metals like copper and nickel, and the metal ions are what cause those smells. If all harmful metals smell, and in turn release ions that are harmful to aquatic life, maybe since chrome doesn't it would be safe? It won't be under water anyways like in a aquarium, stainless steel is safe for aquariums, maybe chrome? If it rusted we'd take it out.So if that wasn't confusing...

tnyfootprntz · Post by **tnyfootprntz** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 5:07 am

Hope this isn't straying too far off topic, but while we're questioning what's safe for the crabitat, I thought I'd mention that I have seen crabs eating (yes, eating, not just picking at) the aquarium sealant in the corners. Why would that be something they'd eat? I saw one crab just chowing down on it like it was tasty, pulling off bits and putting it in his mouth, repeatedly. I find this disturbing but don't know what to do about it, or if I should be concerned at all. The fact is, whatever you put in the crabitat will likely be sampled at least by one or two crabs. How much they ingest and the effect it has, I don't know.

Post by **JediMasterThrash** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 10:42 am

Airborne metal ions are of less concern than waterborn metal ions. Just because we can't smell it doesn't meant it isn't harmful to hermies. I'm more concerned about the metal being in contact with damp substrate or being misted, and thus brining ions into standing water.