Fledgling wrote:Calling all experienced crabbers!
I'm a new soon-to-be crabber and I just finished my tank setup. I was hoping that I could get some feedback before ordering any crabs. I think I would like to get some ruggies. Is that OK for a new crabber, or should I stick to PPs? Would 2 or 3 be ok for my 10 gal? I work at a PetSmart and hate how misinformed the industry, and my coworkers, are and I want to do this right!
1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it?
A 2:1 mixture of play sand and EE. It's about 4-5 inches right now.
H: Sub needs to be a minimum of 6 inches or 3x the height of largest crab, whichever is deeper. 2:1 ratio is ok. Make sure that sub is wet to sandcastle consistency- many use marine salt water to fight bacteria (not needed).
GB: You can use dechlorinated marine saltwater or dechlorinated fresh water. I personally recommend the msw.
2. Do you have gauges in the tank to measure temperature and humidity? If so, where are they located and what temperature and humidity do they usually read?
I have the ZooMed dual hermit crab meter, but a calibration showed that the hydrometer is out of whack and there's not really any way to change it. So I may have to get a new one...
It's currently on the side about 3 inches from the top.
H: Anologs tend to be wonky, you can buy digital from Walmart which works great.
GB: At Walmart, there is a great hygrometer/thermometer for $8 made by Acurite. It is in the home improvement section by the air filters. It is digital, and displays current, as well as the high and low for the last 24 hours ![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?
Not yet, but I have a ZooMed hermit crab UTH. I'm just deciding where to put it since I have a tank background on the back of the tank.
H: That most likely will not be strong enough to keep them warm (80f min temp) many here use UTH from reptile basics- these are great and can be insulated with reflectix tape.
GB: Zoomeds are okay. I personally don't care for them. Some crabbers are okay with them. I prefer the UTHs. www.reptilebasics.com or www.beanfarm.com you would want to buy one that is the length of the back of your tank. It would be placed above the substrate. BTW - if you wanted to insulate, you would use reflectix INSULATION - not the tape. The tape would be to tape the insulation up. Or, you could use aluminum foil, (shiny side facing in), foam board or styrofoam.
4. What types of water are available (fresh or salt) and how is the water treated (what brands of dechlorinator or salt mix and what ratio is used to mix it)?
I will provide fresh and salt. I get well water, but I also have a TopFin water conditioner as well. For salt I currently have a bottle of ZooMed saltwater conditioner, but I will be buying some IO soon. For the salt I mix 1 tsp per cup of water.
H: I think well water has to be declorinated- most here use prime. Zoomed is not strong enough, IO is good.
GB: You need a dechlorinator for sure. Dechlorinator needs to remove chlorine, chloramine and neutralize ammonia and heavy metals. Most of us do use Prime. Zoomed salt is not a good salt. You need to mimic ocean water. Most of use Instant Ocean. Mix according to directions. Pools need to be deep enough to fully submerge in and safely get out of.
5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?
I have ZooMed pellets, dried blood worms, sun-dried red shrimp, Hikari's crab food, dried apple slices, and dried organic coconut. I will also offer fresh fruits and veggies and will probably harvest acorns, blackberries, and blackberry leaves from my grandpa's land. I want to try and stick mostly to dried to reduce odor.
H: Try and provide lots of protein, make sure to check out the HCA guides!
GB: Some commercial foods are not safe. I will provide you with a link. Anything given to the crabs needs to be pesticide and fertilizer free, so give organic if possible.
Food pyramid: http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 25&t=92554
Safe food list: http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 25&t=92557
Unsafe food list: http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 25&t=92556
Commercial food list: http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 25&t=92555
6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?
Hopefully ruggies!
H: I'm not sure about them, hopefully another crabber will chime in.
7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen?
N/A
8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing?
10 gal glass aquarium with a plastic aquarium hood that can take LED bulbs. Right now I have 2 blue bulbs in there, but I also have a red bulb on standby for night viewing.
H: Is the hood glass?
9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?
I'm hoping for 3 smalls (however LHC defines "small")
H: Although you would be ok with 3, keep in mind they grow quickly, I would recommend 2.
GB: I personally think 3 in a 10 gallon is overcrowded. 1 crab per 5 gallons is more humane.
10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any?
I have a graduating size set of 8 from HCP and a shell from the ZooMed starter kit. I have also acquired some mystery snail shells from work (when a snail has passed and disintegrated). They are a little on the small side, but I've boiled them and cleaned any leftover snail bits out. I have about 8 or 9 of those.
H: check out the shell guide to make sure the ones from zoomed are good!
GB: The HCA recommends 3-5 shells per crab. I personally recommend more. There are incorrect shells to buy. You are probably best to wait and see what size your crabs are before you buy some. ![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
Shell guide: http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 24&t=92552
11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently?
Just from not realizing the coco hut was actually made of plastic *facepalm*. That has now been throughly rinsed.
GB: You could always buy a real one if you want, or make a different hide spot
12. How often do you clean the tank and how?
I was thinking every six months or so, depending on if anyone is under.
H: no need for deep cleans, they do more harm than good. Just pick up visible food scraps and poop- Pill bugs also make great janitors.
GB: Pill bugs are also known as isopods ![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned?
I have one in the saltwater dish, but forgot to microwave it before I soaked it...
H: Would recommend tossing the sling, make sure pools are deep enough for crabs to fully submerge with a safe way out.
GB: Sponges aren't necessary.
14. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently?
EVERYTHING
I'll post pics as soon as I figure out how to do that! (If anybody could instruct me how, I'd greatly appreciate it)