HCA: Hermit Crab Association

I want to use this in the tank for a second level. I read something about not using metal objects for crabs? This seems like it is coated in some kind of plastic.

Nope.
When wet, this stuff produces rust. Also the plastic degrades and can be toxic to crabs. I own this and used it as a shower-shelf until it degraded. I wouldn't use it.

People do use them, but over time they will rust and become unsightly. Rust isn't harmful to crabs, but it's messy. The crabs will pinch through the plastic because that's what they do. That isn't toxic either, but it will hasten the rusting.

@Wode. These aren't all made the same. It depends on the country of manufacture, the quality of paint, and the type of paint etc. Typically these are made in China with a plastic-type polymer coating that breaks down and releases chemicals when it does. The rust itself isn't toxic, but I'd be cautious about using it around crabs. It doesn't affect human kids, but *shrug* neither do pesticides really, so who knows. I'd play it safe.

Stefunkie wrote:
I want to use this in the tank for a second level. I read something about not using metal objects for crabs? This seems like it is coated in some kind of plastic.

I use this! The legs kept sinking in, so i put the legs on each side into my 2 shell shops to keep the platform from sinking in.


Crabbers unite!!!

Well it looks like I'll have to take the good with the bad. I went ahead and put it in the tank, but I will observe the shelf over time and remove if I see it necessary. Thanks for all the input!

YYWW wrote: I use this! The legs kept sinking in, so i put the legs on each side into my 2 shell shops to keep the platform from sinking in.


Crabbers unite!!!

I mounted mine with suction cups!

I wove a strip of the plastic needlepoint stuff through the bars to let them walk safely and put moss on top. I use two of the columns to keep one side from sinking into the sub and the other side is propped up by a large round, which gives em a nice "cavey" area. It is their loft, LOL, and there is always someone spending the day sleeping up there!

Beebalm that looks great!


Crabbers unite!!!

Thanks...I love those little guys to death and have to give them that privacy they really need.

That is so neat! I need to find some moss!