Taking the plunge!??

[C_fiesta]

Hello!
I have been a member for awhile. I became obsessed with Hermit Crabbies about 3 years ago. I think I read every post on the forum and then some. I didn't get any at the time because it was a time of transition for me (college, moving, wedding, etc). Life got crazy and I fell off the map until last week.

Why am I back? Well..

My beloved goldfish of 9 years died last month and I've been contemplating what to do with the tank. I've considered getting more fish *yawn*. But then I remembered about Crabbies! I instantly became obsessed again. My husband is on board and interested in them. We just paid off all our debt, so we can spend some money on a hobby.

I kind of want a thread just to pull some thoughts on different issues. Like I said, I've read and reread almost everything there is on Crabbies, so some of this is just for sake of dialogue and comfort.

My plan is to get the tank set up and have it established before I adopt any Crabbies. Here is my first question: what size tank should I start with? I have a 20 gal tall (which I thought it was a 30). But, it seems like I might outgrow that quickly? It almost feels like I need to go big or go home. They're several decent priced 55 gals on CL that I could get, but those almost seem HUGE! What would you recommend? I want to get two or three crabbies, but from what I've read I think they are like potato chips-you can't just have one!

Second bonus question: is hot glue OK to use to make things for them?

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[emberfusion]

Hello!
I have been a member for awhile. I became obsessed with Hermit Crabbies about 3 years ago. I think I read every post on the forum and then some. I didn't get any at the time because it was a time of transition for me (college, moving, wedding, etc). Life got crazy and I fell off the map until last week.

Why am I back? Well..

My beloved goldfish of 9 years died last month and I've been contemplating what to do with the tank. I've considered getting more fish *yawn*. But then I remembered about Crabbies! I instantly became obsessed again. My husband is on board and interested in them. We just paid off all our debt, so we can spend some money on a hobby.

I kind of want a thread just to pull some thoughts on different issues. Like I said, I've read and reread almost everything there is on Crabbies, so some of this is just for sake of dialogue and comfort.

My plan is to get the tank set up and have it established before I adopt any Crabbies. Here is my first question: what size tank should I start with? I have a 20 gal tall (which I thought it was a 30). But, it seems like I might outgrow that quickly? It almost feels like I need to go big or go home. They're several decent priced 55 gals on CL that I could get, but those almost seem HUGE! What would you recommend? I want to get two or three crabbies, but from what I've read I think they are like potato chips-you can't just have one!

Second bonus question: is hot glue OK to use to make things for them?

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Hot glue tends to fall apart after a while in the humidity.

As for a tank, the bigger the better! If you have the money and are willing to invest, go as big as you want/can commit to!


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[C_fiesta]

Hello!
I have been a member for awhile. I became obsessed with Hermit Crabbies about 3 years ago. I think I read every post on the forum and then some. I didn't get any at the time because it was a time of transition for me (college, moving, wedding, etc). Life got crazy and I fell off the map until last week.

Why am I back? Well..

My beloved goldfish of 9 years died last month and I've been contemplating what to do with the tank. I've considered getting more fish *yawn*. But then I remembered about Crabbies! I instantly became obsessed again. My husband is on board and interested in them. We just paid off all our debt, so we can spend some money on a hobby.

I kind of want a thread just to pull some thoughts on different issues. Like I said, I've read and reread almost everything there is on Crabbies, so some of this is just for sake of dialogue and comfort.

My plan is to get the tank set up and have it established before I adopt any Crabbies. Here is my first question: what size tank should I start with? I have a 20 gal tall (which I thought it was a 30). But, it seems like I might outgrow that quickly? It almost feels like I need to go big or go home. They're several decent priced 55 gals on CL that I could get, but those almost seem HUGE! What would you recommend? I want to get two or three crabbies, but from what I've read I think they are like potato chips-you can't just have one!

Second bonus question: is hot glue OK to use to make things for them?

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

Hot glue tends to fall apart after a while in the humidity.

As for a tank, the bigger the better! If you have the money and are willing to invest, go as big as you want/can commit to!


Sent from my XT1635-01 using Tapatalk

So aquarium silicone would probably be my best bet?

I am a little worried about getting a tank off of CL that has bad sealant and needs to be replaced. I have heard that that's a major headache and not worth the time and money. I'm sort of eyeing up the Petco Sale next month, even though it would be a bit more money than buying off of CL. Do you (or anyone) know if they sell out of the 55s fast?


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[Hermias_mom]

Aquarium silicone would be best. With no additives or anti-mold stuff. There's also the stuff the reefing (saltwater aquarium) community uses for coral frag attachment if you're looking for something rock-like. It's like a 2 part epoxy cement or something, I don't recall what it's called, but looking up coral frag attachment should pull that up.

Crab tanks don't need to hold water. There's a large variety of tanks on Craigslist. Also check consignment sales or thrift stores.

Sometimes the 55 gallon tanks aren't part of the 1$/gallon sale. Also, usually stores restrict the sale to inventory on hand. So they may only have a couple 55 gallon tanks, I'm thinking, depending on the store.

[Raidz97]

Hey, I also started with a 10 gallon and Quickly realized it was too small. I ended up with a 55 gallon, and yet again its too small. Honestly I would recommend a 75 gallon. It has the same length of a 55 gallon but the width is 4 or 5 inches more and the same for height. It might seem huge but when its all furnished and "pimped" it will look amazing and small lol. It also leaves you with enough space for 10-15 max crabs,from what I've seen on some build. But don't let me make your choice. Go with what your living situation allows you. If a 75 is too much a 40 gallon breeder is also a good choice anything lower and it honestly feels small. Also what crab species are you planning on. PP's and Ecuadorians are most common, but beware E's have somewhat of a cannibalistic reputation amongst many on this forum.


Edit: Your best bet for a cheap tank is Craigslist or Facebook advertisers/sellers. Often than not big chain stores charge huge prices.

[aussieJJDude]

First off, welcome back! I remember you floating around here or there.
What aquarist use from fragging can be ultra thrifty, superglue to aquarium putty to 'endorsed' fragging glue..... which most of the time is overprice superglue IMO.
Even those you can start up big, most people seem to get a good couple months/years before needing to upgrade. Not to mention, cost involved in setting a a larger tank. 20g offers you space but also allows you to dip your feet and see how you enjoy crabbing. Either way, its up to you.

(Set up another tank, particularly tropicals; in the last few years there has been a greater amount of species available, and since the boom of nano aqua, has seen a transition to the amount of smaller livestock available...)

[C_fiesta]

First off, welcome back! I remember you floating around here or there.
What aquarist use from fragging can be ultra thrifty, superglue to aquarium putty to 'endorsed' fragging glue..... which most of the time is overprice superglue IMO.
Even those you can start up big, most people seem to get a good couple months/years before needing to upgrade. Not to mention, cost involved in setting a a larger tank. 20g offers you space but also allows you to dip your feet and see how you enjoy crabbing. Either way, its up to you.

(Set up another tank, particularly tropicals; in the last few years there has been a greater amount of species available, and since the boom of nano aqua, has seen a transition to the amount of smaller livestock available...)

Hi!
A part of me is more comfortable with the 20 gal. But logically I think if I go through all the work for the 20, I might as well do the 55 right away. It's not that much more footage, right?

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[aussieJJDude]

When you come and think about it, the stuff you use for the 20g get included for the 55g... Minus the tank, maybe another or a new UTH and more sand.... But other than that, your ready to upgrade at any time... 20g are usually 2 foot, and a 55g is 4ft; so its more of adding to 20's together to make a 55g...
If your comfortable with a 20, id follow the gut. But if your looking at the 55 to 'reduce' potential upgrades or long term tank, then that works as well.

[C_fiesta]

I just arranged a pick up for a 55 gal. The silicone looks a little worn, but since I'm not filling it to the top with water, I think it will be OK. He says it doesn't leak.
ITS HAPPENING

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[Raidz97]

Nice, its always good to buy your tank and fix it up for your crabbiest. Best Of Wishes!!!!

[C_fiesta]

Thanks! I want to update you guys as I go along, WITH PICTURES! *ohhh ahhhh*

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[C_fiesta]

I just made my first Hermit Crab purchase! I scooped up this incredible huge piece of Cholla Wood on eBay for a steal

[Raidz97]

Nice, seems like a good piece. There is a website that sells really big thick pieces. But I am blanking on the name. Maybe someone can chime in with name.

[C_fiesta]

I just picked up the 55 gal tank! I'll take a picture and add when I get it set up (It's still in the car )

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[C_fiesta]

We have a tank!!!! [SMILING FACE WITH OPEN MOUTH AND SMILING EYES]

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