HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Hi everyone! I just got a 55 gallon tank. My goal is to have deep semi-permanent pools in the tank. I was thinking of making that out of plexiglass (the ones where they slope up onto land) but then I heard that silicone doesn't hold up well with plexiglass so now I don't know how to construct it. also for anyone who has pools - do you prefer your homemade permanent ones (and how do you do water changes?) or would it be better to have something like a kritter keeper where you can take it out to clean it? My problem is I'm afraid of leaks with both methods! But I want a nice deep pool for the little buggers.

My next question is would you recommend a false bottom? It seems like a lot of work so I am wondering if it is worth it. However, this would then help me see if anything is leaking.

Here's one more random question for anyone who knows- what lighting do you recommend? I have my UTH's and will put them on the new tank, but would you recommend a UVB light or anything like that? Okay now my UTH leads me to a question of how to insulate them. Thank you all in advance!!

Well you could use weld on to bond plexi onto plexi. That work. However it will not bond to glass.

As for false bottom i would advise just in case a pool decides to leak. Peace of mind and its easier than what you would think.

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aussieJJDude wrote:Well you could use weld on to bond plexi onto plexi. That work. However it will not bond to glass.

As for false bottom i would advise just in case a pool decides to leak. Peace of mind and its easier than what you would think.

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Yes I agree! I will go ahead and try the false bottom then.

What will bond to glass then?

ETA: Nevermind about the DIY pool - I've been researching and sounds like they don't last very long

Yeah. They dont last long if you use silicone. Weld on will form 'no seams' since it fuses... silicone will bond to glass.

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I personally don't do false bottoms and after the losses one member had when a crab managed to get under theirs, would not use one.

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People who have made built in pool almost always regret it after a year or so. They look beautiful, but maintenance is a pain since crabs will drag in substrate and food and the only way to clean it is with a turkey baster or aquarium syphon, neither of which work well for fully draining and cleaning.

The other issue is of course leaking, which will always happen after a couple of years since not only is there the pelxi to glass connection problem, but also because new silicone doesn't stick to already dry silicone so the corners will always be a weak spot.

I have never used a false bottom and never plan to. The only benefit they give is in preventing drowning of molters in the event of a flood.

UVB lighting could be beneficial for them, but keep in mind there can be no glass or plastic between the bulb and crabs, and even screening will filter out a hefty bit. Any kind of light will work to give them a normal day and night cycle.

What brand is your UTH? Not all can be insulated.

I would add that a one to three gallon aquarium could maybe work with little chance of leakage, and that would be reasonably deep. .. but it would take up a lot of real estate & spills are still for sure a concern. Wode is right about syphoning, it isn't super effective for making sure that unwanted grunge doesn't build up on rocks & whatnot (you can add a filter to cycle bacteria, which improves wate quality. .. but at that point the whole venture is getting pretty involved. )

Thanks everybody! I think I will skip the false bottom then - I don't want to spend that much extra if it's not necessary. Instead, I think I'll use large tupperware dishes doubled up so if one leaks I still have back up. I can still build the ramp I want though

Wode- I have a ZooMed UTH for now - I'm thinking I'll upgrade and buy a new one though. What kind of light source would work well in a tank? I guess I never can understand if they are needed or something extra people do. I would prefer to mount it outsife of the tank if possible, I'll be using plexiglass lids.

For the above reasons I have avoided a false bottom. With this tanks reset up I did stacked kritter keepers. So far I'm loving it. A little worried about the weight if someone digs under to molt or rest but they can do that with any pool. Also decided to try making the FW larger since @gotbutterflies recommended trying it out. So far getting the same results a few are still going to the smaller SW pool instead. I think they don't know they are land crabs. Lol. I added pictures to show you what I did.

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Just kidding pictures didn't attach.

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Thanks Just Jay! I ended up stacking some large tupperware pools too. I didn't want to mess around with trying to make a DIY pool. I'll have to post pics later and show you all! The whole 55 is set up now and some crabs are moved in while others are waiting until they come up from molting!