Temp dropped, crab died?

Please post here if you are having a crab care emergency! Use a real subject and not just "HELP!"
User avatar

Hermias_mom
Posts: 596
Joined: Thu Feb 23, 2017 5:08 pm
Location: Alabama, USA

Re: Temp dropped, crab died?

Post by Hermias_mom » Tue Oct 24, 2017 9:23 am

To post a picture, most folks use the Tapatalk app, or you can post the photos on an online photo sharing site (imagur, youtube?)

You can't copy and paste from your computer - the HCA platform doesn't support that.

Here's the temp/humidity gage a lot of us on here use - it's generally pretty accurate, but always a good idea to calibrate periodically
(every 6 months or so). It's also cheap, so after 2-5 yrs, you can toss it when it measures too far out of calibration without guilt about the price.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/AcuRite-Digi ... 3=&veh=sem

As far as water conditioner goes, it does matter what's in the water (what's in the water determines what you need to get out of the water), but when in doubt, I'd get a product that treats chlorine, chloramines, ammonia, heavy metals, and when possible nitrites and nitrates. Some folks use Prime, but there's a variety of products that would work. Just be sure you read the label to ensure all contaminant types are treated for.

Dechlorinator is needed for both freshwater (tap or well, etc.) and saltwater (mixed up using Instant Ocean or comparable product).

Not all salts are created equal either, you need the salt used for saltwater aquariums (reef keepers). Instant Ocean is a good example.

There's care sheets on all these items if you'd like further info.
4PPs and tons of FUN in a 29 gallon!
Hermia(F), Helena(F), Branch(M), and Tiger (M)
RIP Athena


Topic author
Crabsalicious
Posts: 109
Joined: Sat Oct 14, 2017 7:06 pm

Re: Temp dropped, crab died?

Post by Crabsalicious » Tue Oct 24, 2017 10:46 am

Hermias_mom wrote:To post a picture, most folks use the Tapatalk app, or you can post the photos on an online photo sharing site (imagur, youtube?)

You can't copy and paste from your computer - the HCA platform doesn't support that.

Here's the temp/humidity gage a lot of us on here use - it's generally pretty accurate, but always a good idea to calibrate periodically
(every 6 months or so). It's also cheap, so after 2-5 yrs, you can toss it when it measures too far out of calibration without guilt about the price.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/AcuRite-Digi ... 3=&veh=sem

As far as water conditioner goes, it does matter what's in the water (what's in the water determines what you need to get out of the water), but when in doubt, I'd get a product that treats chlorine, chloramines, ammonia, heavy metals, and when possible nitrites and nitrates. Some folks use Prime, but there's a variety of products that would work. Just be sure you read the label to ensure all contaminant types are treated for.

Dechlorinator is needed for both freshwater (tap or well, etc.) and saltwater (mixed up using Instant Ocean or comparable product).

Not all salts are created equal either, you need the salt used for saltwater aquariums (reef keepers). Instant Ocean is a good example.

There's care sheets on all these items if you'd like further info.
Very helpful, thank you! I attached the picture I found on the internet of the one I use. I'll check out the Walmart one too. I'm not sure what's in my well water, so guess I'll Google it? I just don't want to use and buy stuff that's not really necessary, and again, I'm still learning lol. Image

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

User avatar

Hermias_mom
Posts: 596
Joined: Thu Feb 23, 2017 5:08 pm
Location: Alabama, USA

Re: Temp dropped, crab died?

Post by Hermias_mom » Tue Oct 24, 2017 11:05 am

Yes, the gage you're using is notoriously inaccurate. Inaccuracies of 10-20F and 20+% humidity are common. I'd recommend you do the calibration routine for both temperature and humidity separately (see the care sheets) and then make a table of gage reading vs. actual tank conditions and post it on your crabitat, so you'll know what the gage needs to read in order to have your crabs at 80F and 80%+ relative humidity actual tank conditions.

Good luck!

EDIT: The only way to tell what's in your well water is to have it tested by a reputable water test house. And be aware, what's in well water can change over time and with the season, especially if there's any possibility of groundwater contamination or runoff from farming or industry, so you'd want to re-test periodically, but you're probably doing this for your well anyway to make sure the water is safe for people to drink. The Water Authority for your area might take and test a water sample, sometimes an agricultural university might provide this service. You'd have to google search water testing for your area, like the folks who test your drinking water for your city/county/municipality to make sure it meets federal regulations for potability, that would be a good place to start.
4PPs and tons of FUN in a 29 gallon!
Hermia(F), Helena(F), Branch(M), and Tiger (M)
RIP Athena


Topic author
Crabsalicious
Posts: 109
Joined: Sat Oct 14, 2017 7:06 pm

Re: Temp dropped, crab died?

Post by Crabsalicious » Tue Oct 24, 2017 12:50 pm

Hermias_mom wrote:Yes, the gage you're using is notoriously inaccurate. Inaccuracies of 10-20F and 20+% humidity are common. I'd recommend you do the calibration routine for both temperature and humidity separately (see the care sheets) and then make a table of gage reading vs. actual tank conditions and post it on your crabitat, so you'll know what the gage needs to read in order to have your crabs at 80F and 80%+ relative humidity actual tank conditions.

Good luck!

EDIT: The only way to tell what's in your well water is to have it tested by a reputable water test house. And be aware, what's in well water can change over time and with the season, especially if there's any possibility of groundwater contamination or runoff from farming or industry, so you'd want to re-test periodically, but you're probably doing this for your well anyway to make sure the water is safe for people to drink. The Water Authority for your area might take and test a water sample, sometimes an agricultural university might provide this service. You'd have to google search water testing for your area, like the folks who test your drinking water for your city/county/municipality to make sure it meets federal regulations for potability, that would be a good place to start.
so informative!! thank you! I rent my home, so will look into the well water testing. When I first moved there the water was better than any water I had every had in my entire life...and over the years its quality has gone down (Although still good, and better than most well water imo). Anyway, I will check out the care sheets. I just want this tank to finally be where it needs to be, and the crabs to be okay!! lol :)

User avatar

Hermias_mom
Posts: 596
Joined: Thu Feb 23, 2017 5:08 pm
Location: Alabama, USA

Re: Temp dropped, crab died?

Post by Hermias_mom » Tue Oct 24, 2017 2:35 pm

Crabsalicious wrote: I just want this tank to finally be where it needs to be, and the crabs to be okay!! lol :)
Sounds like you're doing a great job, and are definitely heading in the right direction! Caring is half the battle, and it's obvious that you care. :)

The crabs will love their cozy home!!!
4PPs and tons of FUN in a 29 gallon!
Hermia(F), Helena(F), Branch(M), and Tiger (M)
RIP Athena


Topic author
Crabsalicious
Posts: 109
Joined: Sat Oct 14, 2017 7:06 pm

Re: Temp dropped, crab died?

Post by Crabsalicious » Tue Oct 24, 2017 7:47 pm

Hermias_mom wrote:
Crabsalicious wrote: I just want this tank to finally be where it needs to be, and the crabs to be okay!! lol :)
Sounds like you're doing a great job, and are definitely heading in the right direction! Caring is half the battle, and it's obvious that you care. :)

The crabs will love their cozy home!!!
Thank you!! Image

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

Post Reply