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Crabby death:/
Posted: Fri Dec 11, 2020 7:41 pm
by Shiwe
Woke up to my PP crab dead this morning on the surface. Stunk and didnt react to touch so 100%sure. I believe a different crab (had 3) cannibalized him as he has a claw pulled off and a leg or two missing. When I slipped him out of his shell he didn't seem emaciated and didnt see anything on gills. Had him for about 9 months. Tank is a 20 long with a ceramic heating lamp and a selfmade humidifier from a pickle jar. Humidity was 80 somethings and heat 90 something. Fresh and salt water provided though was in need of a change. Feed every two days(keeps it in for two nights then it gets changed) a rounded diet. Substrate is a mix of ecoturf and play sand.
I'm at a loss of what happened honestly. Frustrated and really hoping it wasn't my fault.
Re: Crabby death:/
Posted: Fri Dec 11, 2020 8:39 pm
by curlysister
If he was still in his shell, it is unlikely that another crab attacked him.
What kinds of food do you feed?
What brand of dechlorinator and salt do you use?
Is your heat consistently above 90?
Is your substrate moistened with dechlor water so it is moist enough to hold shape? How deep is it?
How many and what type of extra shells do you have?
Re: Crabby death:/
Posted: Fri Dec 11, 2020 9:24 pm
by Shiwe
I follow the food guide you guys have. Protein is either chicken, salmon, tuna, or dried shrimp meant for turtles. Temp isn't typically 90, more of a 85. I have noticed the top of the soil has been dry but the rest is moist. I have extra shells (maybe 5 or 6) and one of mine needs to switch but refuses to, he's a little big so its hard to find shells for him. I use aquarium salt, declohrator brand unknown as im at work
Re: Crabby death:/
Posted: Fri Dec 11, 2020 11:21 pm
by curlysister
Had your crab molted with you since you got him? Have your other crabs?
Crabs go through a lot before we get them, are are vulnerable to PPS (post purchase syndrome) until their first or second molt. Even if we have everything correct, sometimes they just run out of energy.
Nothing really stands out in what you have described. HCA recommends 3 to 5 extra shells per crab - there are correct and incorrect shells to buy, be sure to have a look at the shells care sheet. Be sure you are using marine salt (such as Instant Ocean or other brand of marine salt). 85 is a better temp - crabs can get too hot, so always over 90 might cause some problems.
I'm sorry your crab passed away.
Re: Crabby death:/
Posted: Sat Dec 12, 2020 9:57 am
by HappyHermit0916
Shiwe wrote: ↑Fri Dec 11, 2020 7:41 pm
Woke up to my PP crab dead this morning on the surface. Stunk and didnt react to touch so 100%sure. I believe a different crab (had 3) cannibalized him as he has a claw pulled off and a leg or two missing. When I slipped him out of his shell he didn't seem emaciated and didnt see anything on gills. Had him for about 9 months. Tank is a 20 long with a ceramic heating lamp and a selfmade humidifier from a pickle jar. Humidity was 80 somethings and heat 90 something. Fresh and salt water provided though was in need of a change. Feed every two days(keeps it in for two nights then it gets changed) a rounded diet. Substrate is a mix of ecoturf and play sand.
I'm at a loss of what happened honestly. Frustrated and really hoping it wasn't my fault.
First of all, I'm really sorry your crab passed away: (
Have you had any issues with mold or different types of bacterias?