New tank pictures :)

Kirrie · Post by **Kirrie** » Fri Dec 27, 2013 3:00 pm

I was finally able to move my two pp females to a 20 gallon tonight (from a 10 gallon). They are in a mixture of play sand and eco complete. I also got them bigger dishes for their water, and an aquarium hood with a light instead of just a glass hood. Although I want to change the bulb because it is really bright. What kind of light bulb should I look for?Anyway, I got some pictures! I bought them 2 fake plants to hide behind and a piece of Mopani driftwood. I also kept one of the logs from their original tank that they liked to climb up and go inside of.The next thing I have to improve is their diet. I finally have the money to do that What do you think?

Geranium · Post by **Geranium** » Sat Dec 28, 2013 2:02 am

I like it! It is really pretty. They will love it. Isn't it fun to decorate a larger tank? I love the plants and the climbing wood.One thing though, the sponges. They grow bacteria when they are in water. They need to be sterilized every 24 hours to prevent harm. That is too much work for me. I put them in my tank dry to prevent this. Also the dish on the right looks to be too shallow for them to submerge, when you have the funds, I would change that as well.

Hermitcrabgirl · Post by **Hermitcrabgirl** » Sat Dec 28, 2013 2:16 am

I really like that new setup! It obviously took some time to get it to look so nice and I'm sure the crabs will really like it. But I agree with Geranium, you should try to get rid of the sponge. But when you can. But all in all, I really like your crabitat.

Kirrie · Post by **Kirrie** » Sat Dec 28, 2013 3:41 am

Thanks! Ive been wanting to get them a new tank for a few months now. Im really glad it turned out the way it did The two dishes came together. If they would have been separate I would have gotten 2 of the deeper ones. Im going to look around for a second deeper one at another pet store where I don't have to buy 2 new ones. The shallow one is almost an inch deep.If I get rid of the sponges, what can I use so that the crabs have something to hold on to if they are having trouble getting out of the water? Im planning to get 2 small (quarter size) hermit crabs once I give these 2 time to settle in the new tank and Im afraid the dish I have on the left side of the tank is too deep for them to be able to get out easily.What can I use to make a second level for them to climb on in the tank? I have the driftwood and log for them, but does anyone have other ideas for things that wont take up much space?Also, how can I be sure the mixture of substrate will allow them to dig tunnels through it?

Geranium · Post by **Geranium** » Sat Dec 28, 2013 3:53 am

To help them get out of the water without a sponge, you can use small rocks or needlepoint canvas. For deeper water dishes you can look in your cupboard for plastic or glass bowls in the right size.

Kryorke · Post by **Kryorke** » Sat Dec 28, 2013 1:38 pm

Your 'tat looks great! Instead of sponges, I use the glass decorative 'rocks' from the Dollar Store. I just put a few in the middle. But if you have a dish you bought from the reptile section that is a little rough, they'll be able to cling to the sides and get out. For a second level, I got a shallow plastic dish with holes in the side, again from the D S, and hung it in a corner with suction cup hooks from -you guessed it- D S. I fill it with moss from the pet store and soak it in salt water first. I boil everything in dechlorinated water before I put it in the tank.

Tetra4CClyPtus · Post by **Tetra4CClyPtus** » Mon Dec 30, 2013 12:19 am

Maybe a bulb with lower wattage would do

Kirrie · Post by **Kirrie** » Mon Dec 30, 2013 5:23 am

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I took the sponges out. I fed them whole dried oats and organic peanut butter the other night and then some bell peppers last night. Now there are 4 holes in the tank, including one that is more like a tunnel going under the driftwood. I cant find either of my crabs haha.Im going to the pet store today and may rescue 2 of the tiny babies they have.

Shawn · Post by **Shawn** » Mon Jan 06, 2014 5:34 pm

A good tube bulb would be a ReptiGlo 8.0 bulb. It isn't anywhere near as bright as the bulb you have now and will provide some much needed UVA & UVB.