Using a desktop fountain...pros/cons?

[CupidStunt]

So, in a fit of annoyance over heat and humidity (and a few glasses of wine...HAH!), I took a desktop fountain (previously used batteries, but I noticed it used the same little 3 volt corded adapters that I seem to have way too many of), rinsed it thoroughly, placed it on the higher level of my freshwater container (the little paint trim trays from dollar tree) so it's not submerged, or in danger of tipping over or shorting out. It's not loud (no more loud than when I ran the bubbler), and gives a little extra warmth, but now I'm wondering...

Is this just a REALLY bad idea? It seemed like a good idea at the time, but in retrospect...maybe not. I don't seem to be pulling up much in the way of info of doing this. I've gotten the cord pretty well hidden behind netting, and the cord plug isn't too near the bottom.

I just bought and used the little trim trays, and not too thrilled with those either. They just aren't very deep. At this point, im kind of looking at the small double sided beta tank, or buying two mini critter keepers.

(Trying to figure the best way to post a picture)

[CupidStunt]

[CupidStunt]

Maybe this works better?

[Krusty Krab]

That fountain is adorable. If there is no problems with it I think that u are good. Just probably plug it out at night to be safe.
Just an option- Chloe


Sent from my iPod touch using Tapatalk

[DarthKrab]

Maybe this works better?

I haven't been crabbing long enough to say but your name is very clever... I like it.. lol

Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk

[Crabber85]

The only real issue that I can see is that these desktop fountains typically use a very small and weak pump to pull the water up out of the reservoir which makes them very easy to burn out if any substrate gets dragged into them.

The location of the pump inside these fountains typically leaves them inaccessible so if it happens to burn out it wont be replaceable.

Sent from my DX758Pro using Tapatalk

[wodesorel]

Desktop fountains can be painted with toxic paints, especially if they're imported from someplace like China. It's not a big deal as long as the water isn't being used for drinking. If you're going to use it for the crabs, I'd recommend sealing it with a crab safe silicon or epoxy.

[CupidStunt]

Well, the fountain finally gave out. I think maybe a little bit of moisture got into the outlet, but I'm not sure.

I enjoyed the heck out of that thing. Worked a treat for elevating the humidity, You could hear the water without a ridiculous hum, and it gave a nice little light show when it was on (usually a few hours in the evening).

I think I'll start looking at a few other fountain options, but elevate it a bit more so it doesn't accidentally get wet.

[hprmom]

I think I'll start looking at a few other fountain options, but elevate it a bit more so it doesn't accidentally get wet.

I'd love to see what you eventually come up with!

[DragonsFly]

I have a fountain in the 90g; it's a tabletop fountain made of resin (found at a flea market); I've replaced the pump twice. I just bought a little fish pond pump (plug in, electric) from the Lowe's pond section, and it fits in the pump housing in the back of the fountain just fine. We made a "crab baffle" out of plexi to keep the crabs out of the pump housing, because I worried about them sticking their feet in and getting hurt, especially when they were little, but I'm not sure that is really necessary at this point. It does keep more junk from getting in there, though. I also made a little "ladder" out of plastic needlepoint mesh to make sure they could climb out of the basin, although the texture of the fountain itself is probably rough enough that they could get out on their own, really.

There is absolutely nothing like running water in a fountain to bring up humidity. When I have it out of the tank to clean it (I like to thoroughly scrub it about once a week, then let it completely air dry for several hours), you can really tell the difference in humidity. I have looked for another one like mine, though, and so far haven't found one. This one I love because the basin at the bottom is actually big enough for the crabs to submerge in; that's the feature I'm having trouble finding (I'm trying to find one that is a bit bigger, because when the jumbo comes up I'm betting he will pretty much fill that basin).

[soilentgringa]

Maybe this works better?

Hi! Your crabitat looks great but I was wondering how deep the substrate is? In the picture it looks fairly shallow, but that could totally just be the picture.

As far as running fountains in the crabitats, we've had members who haven't had any issues, but the sand and junk that the crabs drag in have clogged them up over time.

[DragonsFly]

As far as running fountains in the crabitats, we've had members who haven't had any issues, but the sand and junk that the crabs drag in have clogged them up over time.

I've had mine for several years now. The first pump burned out after about three years, so I bought a replacement at Lowe's--but the first pump actually came with the fountain, which I bought who-knows-how-used at a flea market, so it lasted a long time, maybe a REALLY long time.

The fountain is in the "jungle end" of the 90g, so there's only EE at that end, no sand. They don't drag much EE in there, because they have to climb a bit to get into it. They do regularly leave poop in it, but the poop does not seem to get pulled into the pump housing; it stays in the basin in front. So I just dump that out with the water, rinse off the pump, scrub off the fountain, and put it all back together and back in. I used to keep a little piece of natural sponge in the hole that brings the water back from the basin to the pump housing, but after seeing that the current of the water was not really strong enough to bring the poop or bits of dirt that gets in there back to the pump, I quit doing that even. I've been very happy with my fountain, and have looked for another one with a bigger basin to upgrade to so the jumbo can have more water room, but so far haven't found one. If anybody should happen to spot a tabletop fountain with a nice deep/wide bottom basin, please let me know!

[CupidStunt]

On the substrate: It's about 5" on the deep end (definitely need to fluff a bit!) and about 3" on the low end. I think it's the angle, because even I looked at it and though 'huh, is my substrate really that shallow?' Maybe it's that dark line that goes through the middle? I've always gone with 'twice as deep as your largest crab'.

I try to have different levels, change it up from time to time, just to keep things interesting!

I'm glad there are some other fountain devotees! My humidity was perfect when I ran it, even if just a few hours a day. I'd love to buy one of the zoo Ned fountains, but the hubby would kill me...I may just have to find a way to sneak the purchase.

I've been looking at some of the mini pumps on Amazon, and toying with the idea of DIY a little rock waterfall...but honestly, I bought that little fountain at 5 below for $3 or $5, I might as well just buy one of those every few months and replace it.

I lucked out on a new 30g and stand, so will probably be updating the decor a little, maybe I can find a fun little rock feature to rig up without too much trouble.

[DragonsFly]

I think the general consensus now is actually THREE times as deep as your largest crab, for substrate depth. And it's important to take into account the overall footprint, too, since they need not just depth, but enough "safe space" around them to minimize the likelihood of other crabs accidentally running into them while they are molting.