Sleeping Underwater?

[Sweetp]

I use an airstone and they can get in and out easily. I need to get a different substrate in there. I put in smooth stones so I will look for the new stuff. I have a trip to 2 different pet stores today so I will look. I need to start testing the water. How often do I do that and what do I use to do that? What results am I looking to find when testing? I have been doing 3/4 water changes with salt water mixed up with instant ocean and stress coat. I am going to be adding plant vines to offer more ways to get in and out. I measure in F instead of C, what would the temp be that way? Best way to monitor it and warm it up if necessary?
Lots if questions. I want it to be perfect.[/quote]

Hi Kelly
I glad I am able to assist you with your saltwater pool.
I remember how hard it was for me to find out correct information on setting up a good saltwater pool for my crab family. If you take your time and work on the following areas first you should be ok.

Airstones are great for increasing oxygen levels in the water but they don't get rid of any waste eg poo etc you really need a filtration system to ensure good water quality . There are lots of options in the way of pumps but I believe you can't go past a good protein skimmer for saltwater pools ( also reduced your work load by half)
How many litres/gallons does your saltwater pool hold?

Crabs don't like cold water so you need to invest in a good unbreakable heater (cool outer case otherwise crabs could get hurt )
I use a Aquael easy heater 50 watt which I set at 25 c (77 deg f) (auto model so it turns on when water temp drops below 25c and stays on till it climbs back to 25c. This heater is short and flat (takes up little space) and is cool to touch so the crabs can climb all over it without a problem.

Water quality - depending on your set up. You need to cycle your water for large pools . I would not recommend changing ¾ of your water each week. You really need to maintain good Bactria levels in your saltwater pool so try changing 10-20% instead. I use Red Sea salt which I mix in a bucket I never use stress coat

I would really recommend getting a good high range test kit. I use API but there is plenty available. I used to test the ph levels etc every few days when I started and discovered my crabs preferred a ph level of 8.4 . They would stop using the saltwater pool once the ph level dropped under 8.1

I checked the salt level in my pool every few days using a Glass Hydrometer when I started.

Start a record book and record everything. This will assist you in the future. Test the water every few days for the first few months . Once you know how your pool runs you can extend the periods between tests.


Kind regards
Sweetp

[KellyCrabbieLove]

So much to take in. I keep a hand writtem log of a ton of stuff. I will add this information to it and start knocking things out one thing at a time. My pool is 2.5 gal

[KellyCrabbieLove]

What protein skimmer do you suggest for a 2.5 gal tank?

Does the red sea salt dechlorinate the water?

How would I adjust the pH if it isn't where it needs to be?

[Skymall007]

I worry mine want this feature. My enclosure is a 29 gallon and so they just have fairly large water bowls. Perhaps crabs should have pools where they can do what yours are doing. I am glad they seem fine. Maybe they enjoy frightening you because it is near Halloween

[KellyCrabbieLove]

You need a bigger tank! Lol they could always use more room.

[Skymall007]

Ahahahah I intend to give them a giant tank someday. I worry because I live in an apartment and I heard a horror story about a fish tank falling through the floor so I am frightened about that. I want to give mine a whole beach or convert a garage into a tropical hermit paradise