how salty is too salty and can it hurt the crabs?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jul 17, 2003 2:04 pm

i offer both fresh and salt water for my crabs somewhere i read crabs will balance the amount of salt they need so for example if you have your salt water offered at 200% saltinity and offer fresh water that the crabs will naturally balance this out themselves..i am unsure where i read this...the way i do it is a spoonful of the doc wellfish and the rest water (dechlorinated) should i be meausuring the amount or is this ok? my crabs seem fine but maybe the salt could hurt them like build up or burn them let me know thanks raven :roll:

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jul 17, 2003 2:49 pm

Ok don't take this fully to heart but I believe the average salinity of the ocean is 35ppt and can vary from 32 to 37ppt from natural causes (rain, evaporation and such). Your best bet would be to get a Hydrometer (this is the one I have) so you can measure it yourself. I have 3 jugs of water. A gallon of fresh, de-chlorinated, a gallon of salt water, and a Â½ gallon of fresh de-chlorinated water. I keep my salt water jug at 37ppt and when I refill the dish I use the Â½ gallon to drop the salinity to 32 to 36. Well, I hope this info help some. If anyone knows anything else please post as I would like to know as well. I learned all this from research and just putting bits and pieces of info together.

Maxx

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jul 17, 2003 6:38 pm

I suggest following the directions on the back of the box the salt came in. That's the easiest and safest way. If you have doc welfish, then you can do what i do. Get a half gallon jug of dechlorinated or distilled water, and mix in 1/4 of a teaspoon. It works well. We basically followed directions but cut it down to half a gallon instead of the 5 gallons(i think) is says on the box.

*edit- disabled signature to keep in forum frame-CM

ripshaw · Post by **ripshaw** » Mon Jul 21, 2003 1:41 pm

hi there philchlee

i have a few concerns. first, yes chlorinated water is a definite no-no. dechlorinating water is extremely simple. you can either use chemical drops or even simpler you can leave water out in a gallon jug or whatever and the chlorine will evaporate within 24-48 hours depending on the size of the container.

also you say you are leaving water in shells that is fine but make sure you have atleast one well-sized water bowl for the crabs to get in if they like, and also if humidity is an issue have a sea sponge in this bowl. a large clam shell can be used too i used to use one but if you do make sure there is a sponge in it because little crabs can drown in the deep part of a clam shell

also feeding your crab treats like coconut is fine and good for them but you must also offer them commercial hermit crab food so they are getting all the nutrients and such they need. if you go to the store make sure you are buying hermit crab food and not treat. treat is good for them but they cant live off this. good luck with your crabs

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jul 22, 2003 12:11 am

Hi all, When it comes to salt water i use Instant Ocean (1 tbls to 2 cups of water or declorinated water.) It is alot easier to use no guessing it allways mixes the same.Far as a sponge you should allways use sea sponge it is natural and carries no chimicals.House hold sponges can carry chimicals.The crabs like to eat on the sea sponge to.I hope this helps.