Lava Rocks in Pool

JessicaChilll · Post by **JessicaChilll** » Sun Mar 20, 2022 6:05 pm

Hello, I'm a new owner. I'm trying to set up my crabitate and I was wondering if lava rocks are safe to go in the pools for the Crabs to climb in and out on. Also, I bought a few fake plants to put in there as well. I know that metal isn't safe for them, but I was wondering if the metal is covered with plastic (e.i. the stem) if the same goes for that?

Post by **JoeHermits** » Mon Mar 21, 2022 8:32 am

Lava rocks are fine. It’s hard to tell what metals are in the plants but if they’re aquarium-safe they’re probably fine. If not, remove when damaged and don’t use them in the water.

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JessicaChilll · Post by **JessicaChilll** » Mon Mar 21, 2022 11:02 am

Thank you. I have a few other questions. I saw where people said to bake or freeze leaf litter... which is better and how do I do it? I boiled a few leaves for like 20 minutes but I haven't added them to the take yet and I just soaked some dandelions in salt water. Also, I just set the tank up yesterday and my humidity is just below 90F... is that a safe level for new crabs or is that too high?

JessicaChilll · Post by **JessicaChilll** » Mon Mar 21, 2022 11:07 am

Also, as far as food goes, do I feed them 1 thing from each food group everyday or 1 food group per day? Last night I gave them peanuts, oatmeal and cheese and this morning I took the cheese out and added a drop of honey, freeze dried shrimp and tuna. They are sleeping so they haven't eaten it yet. The guy that I bought them from said not to feed them for 24 hours after a car ride and I bought them on Thursday on the coast in Mississippi, then had to drive from Mississippi to Tennessee on Saturday, so I didn't feed them until last night. I did however give the fresh and salt water. I didn't have a clue about them before purchasing them.

myllkti · Post by **myllkti** » Mon Mar 21, 2022 11:35 am

JessicaChilll wrote: ↑
Mon Mar 21, 2022 11:07 am
Also, as far as food goes, do I feed them 1 thing from each food group everyday or 1 food group per day? Last night I gave them peanuts, oatmeal and cheese and this morning I took the cheese out and added a drop of honey, freeze dried shrimp and tuna. They are sleeping so they haven't eaten it yet. The guy that I bought them from said not to feed them for 24 hours after a car ride and I bought them on Thursday on the coast in Mississippi, then had to drive from Mississippi to Tennessee on Saturday, so I didn't feed them until last night. I did however give the fresh and salt water. I didn't have a clue about them before purchasing them.

Some food groups need to be fed everyday, some 6 days a week, and etc. It’s written next to the food pyramid

myllkti · Post by **myllkti** » Mon Mar 21, 2022 11:38 am

JessicaChilll wrote: ↑
Mon Mar 21, 2022 11:02 am
Also, I just set the tank up yesterday and my humidity is just below 90F... is that a safe level for new crabs or is that too high?

do you mean temperature or humidity? Humidity is usually expressed as a percentage. Either way it should be ok for most crabs, though if it’s humidity it just might be a bit more prone to mold

JessicaChilll · Post by **JessicaChilll** » Mon Mar 21, 2022 6:13 pm

Yes I meant humidity. How do I lower it?

Post by **JoeHermits** » Mon Mar 21, 2022 6:45 pm

You can use whatever feeding schedule suits you but try to aim for a variety within a week. Fruits and vegetables are good for vitamins and minerals but protein and calcium are needed for growth. Grains and lipids provide energy.

As for humidity, you can lower that by increasing air circulation. Try opening the lid for a few minutes. If it’s wrapped to insulate you can remove some of that, as well.

High humidity doesn’t harm the crabs but it does encourage mold.

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HCA: Hermit Crab Association