HCA: Hermit Crab Association

I got a brand new tank at petco yesterday it's all set but i think i wanna make a 2nd level what is a good place to start in terms of materials etc ?

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I'm in the thinking stages on adding a new level as well. I'm very interested in what others have used that works.

My current thought is to use suction cup hooks to create a hammock of fish net. Then lay on some coco fiber mat to create a surface. I would use some bendable wired ivy for a way up. That would allow the size to be very customizable.

alhj wrote:I'm in the thinking stages on adding a new level as well. I'm very interested in what others have used that works.

My current thought is to use suction cup hooks to create a hammock of fish net. Then lay on some coco fiber mat to create a surface. I would use some bendable wired ivy for a way up. That would allow the size to be very customizable.

thats a thought. I was really thinking if i could find a way to have a larger level that is sold where i could add more things
up there possibly put supplement dishes and other toys up there if i can find a way to do it.

Shower caddies, cholla log bridges, suction cups and nets, you could use safe popsicle sticks and twine to make little ladders, you can repurpose plastic mesh baskets, you can use aquarium safe silicone to glue pieces of acrylic into the tank and cover those with coconut fiber, you can break down coated wire pet cages and attach cocofiber to them for climbing, etc.

There are many ways that you can DIY second levels. Use the search function while in the DIY subforum and you'll find lots of ideas.

soilentgringa wrote:Shower caddies, cholla log bridges, suction cups and nets, you could use safe popsicle sticks and twine to make little ladders, you can repurpose plastic mesh baskets, you can use aquarium safe silicone to glue pieces of acrylic into the tank and cover those with coconut fiber, you can break down coated wire pet cages and attach cocofiber to them for climbing, etc.

There are many ways that you can DIY second levels. Use the search function while in the DIY subforum and you'll find lots of ideas.

thanks!

This is one of the many configurations I've had in the 29g:



The two-tiered unit in the back right corner is from Walmart's Kitchen section and cost about $6. It was great for putting a moss pit basket on top, an open-air shell shop on the lower level and plenty of room underneath for a coconut hide or small log.

Crabinski wrote:This is one of the many configurations I've had in the 29g:



The two-tiered unit in the back right corner is from Walmart's Kitchen section and cost about $6. It was great for putting a moss pit basket on top, an open-air shell shop on the lower level and plenty of room underneath for a coconut hide or small log.

this is exactly what I want. Would it be possible to give me material and building directions on this?
Funny enough I operate heavy machines for fabrication for a living and I'm actually terrible and building
creative DIY projects so a little guidance would be very helpful this looks great thanks!

isadoraisacat wrote:

Crabinski wrote:This is one of the many configurations I've had in the 29g:



The two-tiered unit in the back right corner is from Walmart's Kitchen section and cost about $6. It was great for putting a moss pit basket on top, an open-air shell shop on the lower level and plenty of room underneath for a coconut hide or small log.

this is exactly what I want. Would it be possible to give me material and building directions on this?
Funny enough I operate heavy machines for fabrication for a living and I'm actually terrible and building
creative DIY projects so a little guidance would be very helpful this looks great thanks!

All I did to the little tiered unit was to first wrap the three legs with jute (or hemp) twine to provide any easy climb for the crabs and then attach a piece of plastic craft mesh to each shelf using plant staking ties (you can also use zip ties but I was out of them when I put this together). The mesh covered just the top of each shelf, leaving the underside bars for the crabs to climb on. Using plastic mesh makes it easy to wipe off poop and substrate and provides a flat surface to hold shells, a moss pit basket, etc.

If you're unfamiliar with plastic craft mesh, it's sold by the 10"x13" sheet at Jo-Ann stores, Michael's, Hobby Lobby and can also be found in Walmart's craft aisles. It comes in a variety of colors and is also great for making ramps for the water pools. This is what it looks like: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Pink-Plastic- ... k/38587655

Balls of hemp and jute twine can also be found in Walmart's craft section.

Hope this helps!

Crabinski wrote:

isadoraisacat wrote:

Crabinski wrote:This is one of the many configurations I've had in the 29g:



The two-tiered unit in the back right corner is from Walmart's Kitchen section and cost about $6. It was great for putting a moss pit basket on top, an open-air shell shop on the lower level and plenty of room underneath for a coconut hide or small log.

this is exactly what I want. Would it be possible to give me material and building directions on this?
Funny enough I operate heavy machines for fabrication for a living and I'm actually terrible and building
creative DIY projects so a little guidance would be very helpful this looks great thanks!

All I did to the little tiered unit was to first wrap the three legs with jute (or hemp) twine to provide any easy climb for the crabs and then attach a piece of plastic craft mesh to each shelf using plant staking ties (you can also use zip ties but I was out of them when I put this together). The mesh covered just the top of each shelf, leaving the underside bars for the crabs to climb on. Using plastic mesh makes it easy to wipe off poop and substrate and provides a flat surface to hold shells, a moss pit basket, etc.

If you're unfamiliar with plastic craft mesh, it's sold by the 10"x13" sheet at Jo-Ann stores, Michael's, Hobby Lobby and can also be found in Walmart's craft aisles. It comes in a variety of colors and is also great for making ramps for the water pools. This is what it looks like: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Pink-Plastic- ... k/38587655

Balls of hemp and jute twine can also be found in Walmart's craft section.

Hope this helps!

thanks well thats handy because i bought a bunch of plastic mesh to make ramps for my crabs
water pools so i actually have that handy as well as zip ties. thanks for the info im starting to get some ideas now.