Scared of E's

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Luckythecrab
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Scared of E's

Post by Luckythecrab » Mon Feb 23, 2015 3:45 pm

I've seen these great E's at the pet store, but I'm scared to buy then. I have a good cage, my current hermit crab won't bother them, but I've heard that E's can be kind of mean. I had good luck with my past E's but I'm scared that if I buy new ones that they'll be vicious. What should I do?

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Crabinski
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Re: Scared of E's

Post by Crabinski » Mon Feb 23, 2015 3:51 pm

It seems that the jury is still out on Es: some folks have had no trouble adding them to colonies with other species but other people have had dreadful experiences with Es attacking and even killing other crabs. Bear in mind that Es are hyperactive (always tunneling, climbing and dashing around) and therefore need a lot of space and very deep substrate. I believe the recommendation is at least a 40g for Es.
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megmaholm
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Re: Scared of E's

Post by megmaholm » Mon Feb 23, 2015 3:52 pm

Assuming your tank conditions are good and appropriate for E's, technically you shouldn't have a problem, but it seems like even some veteran crabbers have had trouble with them. Personally, I don't think I'll ever own them because I don't want to risk any issues in my happy PP colony, but it's just one of those things that you can't know what will happen unless you try it. I think some of it just comes down to luck.
Crabbing since July 2014! 75 gallon with 12 Purple Pinchers.

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Luckythecrab
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Re: Scared of E's

Post by Luckythecrab » Mon Feb 23, 2015 3:54 pm

I actually have about a 15 gal. I might not get them, but lucky does need a friend. I think he's been depressed since charm died.

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wodesorel
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Re: Scared of E's

Post by wodesorel » Mon Feb 23, 2015 4:04 pm

I had the worst luck with E's. But even I will say that it's completely dependant on the individual crab and it's not a reason to be afraid of them. If you really want Es, just be prepared for what could possibly happen to your current crabs, and have a plan in place in case they do turn out to be trouble.

I will say that I don't think a 15 gallon is big enough for them. They are digging machines even when they're good ones! I would never recommend anything smaller than a 30 gallon (three foot long) tank, even for small guys. They're just too active.
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Luckythecrab
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Re: Scared of E's

Post by Luckythecrab » Mon Feb 23, 2015 4:15 pm

Alright, I only have one crab and about six inches of substrate.

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megmaholm
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Re: Scared of E's

Post by megmaholm » Mon Feb 23, 2015 4:30 pm

Is your current crab a PP? I would go ahead and just get another PP, if that's the case, since that sounds like it may work better with your tank size. Plus your current crab will appreciate a species buddy :)
Crabbing since July 2014! 75 gallon with 12 Purple Pinchers.

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Luckythecrab
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Re: Scared of E's

Post by Luckythecrab » Mon Feb 23, 2015 4:50 pm

Yeah :) where do they usually have PP's? I've only seen E's

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megmaholm
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Re: Scared of E's

Post by megmaholm » Mon Feb 23, 2015 4:54 pm

Do you have a Petco and/or Petsmart? I only ever see PPs are mine, so maybe it just depends on where you live. You could also check Craigslist and see if any crabs are up for adoption.
Crabbing since July 2014! 75 gallon with 12 Purple Pinchers.

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