To bathe or not to bathe?

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JulieK0311
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Joined: Fri Aug 05, 2016 6:33 am

To bathe or not to bathe?

Post by JulieK0311 » Sun Aug 07, 2016 8:26 pm

I keep reading different advice on whether to bathe my PPs or not. I have 3 in a 10gal tank and one in an Iso tank right now, not sure if sick or surface molting but has not been moving more than a few leg wiggles for several days. 2 of the crabs are new and just moved in today, I've read conflicting opinions on whether I should have bathed them before introducing to the crabitat. Can anyone help? Should I be bathing them? If yes, salt or fresh water and what's the right technique? Thanks!

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soilentgringa
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Location: Dallas, TX

Re: To bathe or not to bathe?

Post by soilentgringa » Sun Aug 07, 2016 9:15 pm

Crabs should only be bathed in certain situations.

If they have reddish brown mites stuck to their joints, antennae, eyestalks or bodies, they can be bathed. This is covered in the "What's that Bug" thread.

If a crab has surface molted and smells like a meal to other crabs, you can place it in the freshwater pool and allow it to climb out.

If two crabs are attacking each other and trying to actively rip each other apart, placing them in the freshwater and allowing them to climb out can distract them.

Crabs mix the salinity of their shell water to suit their personal needs.

Bathing them stresses them out and can be counterproductive.

Provide them with deep enough salt and fresh water pools for them to submerge in. As long as they have a way out they will not drown.

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