Crab Mater checking in!

[CrabMater]

Hi I'm Vee, I have 3 smallish PPs. First time owning hermits and it was instantly something i knew i would love. Right now I have a starter tank I've dubbed Krabbyville. It's a 10gal standard aquarium. The first two were given to me by my daughters Kindergarten teacher. They started the semester with 5 crabs, 2 survived.
I rescued 2 crabs I saw dying in Petland. I just could not leave them in a plastic tank w no water or substrate. 2 weeks after purchase Pinchy died.
The second rescue buried himself a day after arriving and spent 35 days underground. Big Blue, named because his master stroke of immediate burial, I believe saved his life. He's been topside for 2 days. Still in ISO. Wanted him to eat a bit and establish himself a bit before putting him in with the other two.
I haven't been "playing " with them, I feel like this would put a lot of stress on them. ESP Big Blue who flinches everytime I come close. The two from school seem to play with each other. Climbing and hanging upside down.

Any in put on introducing a shy single crab to a bonded pair would be appreciated. I don't want to wake up to a crime scene but ISO is not very warm and i would like to get him in the main tank asap.

CM

[Gryfinthegreat]

Hey there, and welcome to the HCA!

[CrabMater]

Hi [clicks claws]

[hermitharbor]

Welcome! I always stick any new crabs in a bowl of fresh water deep enough that they are submerged and can swim around. This let's me check for mites and then their smell is neutral so it's easier to introduce them. I've always had good luck with this. As long as there is adequate resources for them all to share I'm sure they will be fine. I hope you enjoy crabbing! These little guys are the best


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[KrabbyKris]

Welcome!

[CrabMater]

Hi everyone, thanks for taking the time to read my post.
DressageQ: I hear you about the neutral smell. However. I am reticent to bathe him. Mostly due to inexperience.
Over the last month i have been swapping feeder shells. And now that the 3rd crab is up i have been moving a piece of egg shell between tanks. My logic is the same as introducing older cats: let them first meet each other through smell. All 3 of these crabs "know" the others smell. Last night the single crab did what hes done every night since he resurfaced: trash the hotel room! Turns over gauge, fills SW dish w sub, food everywhere. Wow, my other two are going to have to set him straight about manners.
Ill keep this thread open so i can update/ask for advice. I think im being a Nervous Nelly but I would rather err on the side of caution. Thanks again everyone.

[CrabMater]

Well Krabbyville is now boasting 3 crabs. I put Dean in with the school rescues. Zero fights. Cheerio waited a day to introduce herself. Lots of feelers and then they took a nap together in the middle of the tank during high noon. John Cena came down around 7pm to eat and meet Dean. Again more feeler slapping and then they went about their business. I made the switch to Instant Ocean. Everyone had a bath and "flushed their toilets". Tonight is shell boil night. Ill use my new MSW to do this. I think im about to have some molting. Want everyone to be at their best.

[kieagcarm]

Well Krabbyville is now boasting 3 crabs. I put Dean in with the school rescues. Zero fights. Cheerio waited a day to introduce herself. Lots of feelers and then they took a nap together in the middle of the tank during high noon. John Cena came down around 7pm to eat and meet Dean. Again more feeler slapping and then they went about their business. I made the switch to Instant Ocean. Everyone had a bath and "flushed their toilets". Tonight is shell boil night. Ill use my new MSW to do this. I think im about to have some molting. Want everyone to be at their best.

You said your now using instant ocean, what were you using before? I made the mistake of buying zoo med salt water conditioner.

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[CrabMater]

Hi, i was using API aquarium salt.