Tote crabitat question

[pearl29mi]

So I have a 15 gallon tote with 6 crabs in it. Obviously, that's overcrowded. I had 5 crabs not knowing the size till I calculated it (stupid thing to do) then someone gave me a crab. I was wondering if it is possible for me to get another tote and flip it and place it on the top so I can give them more climbing and floor space. Does anyone know how I would be able to do that? I've been wanting to upgrade the tank but I'm not able to as I don't have any room so that would be the best thing I could do until I upgraded.

[LadyMorrgian]

Essentially you would just be giving them a topper, which doesn't really give you more room, except to climb. Do you have the room to go to a 30g tote?


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[JulesRolyCrab]

Usually the size/crab rule is determined on footprint of the tote/tank. For molting room.

[pearl29mi]

Usually the size/crab rule is determined on footprint of the tote/tank. For molting room.

I understand that, I would be able to add more substrate though so that might help a little (right?) because as of right now I can't get a bigger tank.

[pearl29mi]

Essentially you would just be giving them a topper, which doesn't really give you more room, except to climb. Do you have the room to go to a 30g tote?

I'd like to give them more room to climb and add some more sub so they can have more room to molt(if it does that.) I could try to add a second level too if that would help on it.

[CallaLily]

You want to go by the footprint (length x width) of the tank/tote when figuring out if you have enough molting space for the number/size of crabs. Adding substrate depth is great (and definitely necessary for larger crabs!) for added protection - ensures crabs that are just digging around for fun don't disturb molters and that tunnels hold shape - but it's the footprint that counts. Most crabs will dig down as far as they can to molt, they don't stack up on top of each other. Am I making sense?

And of course adding extra climbing space is a great thing, but again it's that molting space that's most important.

[pearl29mi]

I see, do you ink it would help two make add more climbing room and a second level until I am able to get a bigger crabitat? If so, do you know what would be a sturdy way to attach it?

[CallaLily]

What species? What is the length and width? Adding height may help some but it would still be a temporary situation. Upgrading to a larger tote/tank would be best, as soon as that's an option for you.

Maybe heavy duty Velcro?

[pearl29mi]

The species is pp, length is about 24" width is about 13"

[LadyMorrgian]

The only way I could see a second level even remotely affecting the molting room footprint is if it was also filled 6+ inches of substrate, and honestly, that's not a feasible idea. I tried when I was using totes, did not work.

Your best option is to upgrade the tote.

A second option is to set up a separate tote and split the colony.


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[JulesRolyCrab]

^^^
If you're getting another tote anyway, this might be the best option for now.

[CallaLily]

Your best option is to upgrade the tote.

A second option is to set up a separate tote and split the colony.

Agreed. Don't know why the second never occurred to me. Duh!

But honestly, by the time you pay for a 2nd tote, 2nd heat source, etc .... It may just make more sense to just go ahead and buy the larger tote. ?

[pearl29mi]

Ok thanks all. I will try and see if I can use my 10 gallon outside then split them. Right now 3 are underground so for now I'm good.

[LadyMorrgian]

Do you plan to keep the 10g outside? How do you plan on keeping the temp and humidity stable?


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[landlubber]

Here's a previous thread about someone making more height with totes, just as an FYI

http://www.hermitcrabassociation.com/ph ... 6&t=104186