Pencil test is a major fail

[kieagcarm]

Did the pencil test only fail in one section of the tank? And how far down did u test?


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About 3 inches down cuz I have crabs down. I only did it in places I'm almost positive they aren't. And it filled completely with dry sand. I've sprayed just once. Should I spray again tonight or once in the morning and once tomorrow night?

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[aussieJJDude]

Can you do the pencil test alone the front glass wall? That way, you can get the "whole picture" and know that there is no crabs in that area? It could be futher down it has the right consistency.

As crazy as it sounds, could you remove some substrate and take a photo of it... If it remains in clumps, just leave it. (And try to make a sandcastle out of it. Could be that it is on the dry side, but still usable.)

[Just Jay]

Can you do the pencil test alone the front glass wall? That way, you can get the "whole picture" and know that there is no crabs in that area? It could be futher down it has the right consistency.

As crazy as it sounds, could you remove some substrate and take a photo of it... If it remains in clumps, just leave it. (And try to make a sandcastle out of it. Could be that it is on the dry side, but still usable.)

I agree fully! Lik i said when i put my fingers in i only had to go to the first knuckle the rest wasn't nearly as dry.

Great idea about doing it up against the glass! Didnt think of that!

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[Kermie16]

Can you do the pencil test alone the front glass wall? That way, you can get the "whole picture" and know that there is no crabs in that area? It could be futher down it has the right consistency.

As crazy as it sounds, could you remove some substrate and take a photo of it... If it remains in clumps, just leave it. (And try to make a sandcastle out of it. Could be that it is on the dry side, but still usable.)

My thoughts exactly:)


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[Renroc]

Do you have some eco earth mixed in with your sand? That will help hold moisture. Also is you heat source on the side/back of tat above sub level. Do you have a lid with no vents? All these will help


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[kieagcarm]

Can you do the pencil test alone the front glass wall? That way, you can get the "whole picture" and know that there is no crabs in that area? It could be futher down it has the right consistency.

As crazy as it sounds, could you remove some substrate and take a photo of it... If it remains in clumps, just leave it. (And try to make a sandcastle out of it. Could be that it is on the dry side, but still usable.)

I'll take a pic when I'm done babysitting. But read my post about Athena please, it may answer this question I'm sui stressed out. Athena came up with shell full of ee n sand, she would have died. But she never stays up moss than a few hours. I did the pencil test on the front glass down to 5in still same issue.

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[kieagcarm]

Do you have some eco earth mixed in with your sand? That will help hold moisture. Also is you heat source on the side/back of tat above sub level. Do you have a lid with no vents? All these will help


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I do, and I measured the depth today, it's under 6 in now I dint see how that's possible but true. I'm going to order more ee today from Amazon since it comes so fast

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[kieagcarm]

Since Athena is likely to be digging back down, can she with dry sub? I was going to put her in the tank that's been ready for her, but with her new size, once again I wasted money on a too small tank, it's a 15

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[aussieJJDude]

I personally think wetting the substrate - like dumping a cup full of water along the front glass - will help alot... The sand naturally acts like a wick, so the water will slowly hydrate the rest of the substrate.

[mool]

"Back in the old days" we used to pour water into the corners of the tank to re-hydrate dry sub.

[Just Jay]

also if you have crabs under an are worried about flooding the molters you could always soak some moss, a paper towel or anything similar.

when ever your getting a tank never get it for their current size. its better for you to save your money and get a bigger size for them to grow and move around in. when i got my four rescues even tho they were small to medium i got a 20g long. now that my largest is molting, two medium and one small. its almost looking cramped so im thinking about bigger options. maybe a breeder since they are wider.

hope it picks up soon.

[kieagcarm]

Pencil tests are still fails. I don't know what the problem is, my humidity and temps are such in the same degrees they have been for a while, but that can't be right. I spray my moss pit before work, and by the time I get home it's bone dry too. I'm thinking the robe is making it to dry and this therm/hygro is broken somehow. I'm terribly worried about penny and Dixon, seriously considering digging them up since the sub is completely dry too. Holes are appearing that look like collapsed tunnels, and the sub seems way too tightly compacted. I wish someone would come help me

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[aussieJJDude]

If you firmly believe your last statement, then I would view it as ok to dig and then do the necessary maintenance. I tend to view digging as the last resort and if you - the crabber - firmly believes it right. Just be prepared for ISO crabs, as they may be starting, going through or finishing up a moult.
*hugs*

Also this:

As crazy as it sounds, could you remove some substrate and take a photo of it... If it remains in clumps, just leave it. (And try to make a sandcastle out of it. Could be that it is on the dry side, but still usable.)

[Kermie16]

Have to agree with aussiejjdude. Good luck! Please let us know how everything goes. :/


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[daws409]

Off topic but have you calibrated you meters lately?? They can be off. I do mine every 2 months just to be sure they're still accurate.... Hope everything works out for you and good luck!!

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