Any Advice

[NLindsey921]

So I've had my tank set up for a couple months and I've followed a lot of the guidlines here at The Hermit Crab Association. I was just wondering if there's anything I could do to improve my tank. The current humidity is at 99% but I just sprayed it down not too long ago and the temperature is at 26 C. The Substrate is a little under six inches but that's only because it has settled a little since I put it in.

Here is a picture.



Any Advice?

[The Franckinator]

Humidity is a little high, but it shouldn't hurt. Ideally, though, it should be between 75% and 85%. Humidity fluctuates in nature, so it definitely won't hurt them. Really, I think the main reason the max is 85% is because harmful mold will grow - the mold is usually harmful to us though and not the crabs. What size is your tank and how big are the crabs?

Also, I can't see the picture

[NLindsey921]

My tank is twenty gallons. I have two small crabs and seven medium. (I think. I'm not exactly sure the size ranges of them because I have three molting and I can't really measure them too well because they hide when I try.)

I used tinypic for the picture and I can see it but I'll see if I can figure something else out.

[mool]

The tank looks fine, but you are a bit over crowded. I have 6 crabs in my 55 gallon and am worried about them being too crowded, lol.

I think the rule of thumb is that each crab should have 15 gallons to himself, so your 9 would need 135 gallons!! This is, of course, for full grown crabs. Even if your crabs are small now, they won't stay that way. You'll have to start preparing for a much larger tank in the future.

[Rawrgeous]

http://www.hermitcrabassociation.com/ph ... hp?t=92541 there is a link to the stocking guide, 15 gal is for jumbos, and while not all crabs become jumbos, it is a good idea to be thinking about what you're dealing with for the future. I agree you will probably want to look into a larger tank soon, or splitting the group up a bit, just to prevent molting issues. If funds are an issue, I know tote tanks can work great as a temporary tank. Your tank looks lovely btw! As far as substrate, as long as the largest crab has substrate at least 3 times it's size you're good. If not, keep in mind the more substrate, the less chance of molts being disturbed, and another inch or so of substrate wouldn't hurt. Either way, looks like you're doing a pretty good job so far.

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[mool]

Even if 1/9 of her crabs reaches jumbo size, she would still be over-crowded. It's nothing she has to worry about right this second, but it's an eventuality that she should think about.

When I get crabs or any animal for that matter, I think of their long term housing needs and then get the closest thing to what they will need when full sized. Luckily, crabs don't grow as quickly as puppies, so time is on your side.

[NLindsey921]

Right now a twenty gallon is all I have room for. I live with my mother in law and she won't let me keep my tank for these "disgusting creatures" anywhere but in my room. I will one day get a large tank. I'm hoping to get over a hundred gallons but right now I simply do not have room for it.

[Rawrgeous]

Even if 1/9 of her crabs reaches jumbo size, she would still be over-crowded. It's nothing she has to worry about right this second, but it's an eventuality that she should think about.

When I get crabs or any animal for that matter, I think of their long term housing needs and then get the closest thing to what they will need when full sized. Luckily, crabs don't grow as quickly as puppies, so time is on your side.

I was agreeing with you. I just was letting her look at that for them now. It also gives a rough size guide to go by. Just trying to be helpful, not pesky. Lol

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[Rawrgeous]

Right now a twenty gallon is all I have room for. I live with my mother in law and she won't let me keep my tank for these "disgusting creatures" anywhere but in my room. I will one day get a large tank. I'm hoping to get over a hundred gallons but right now I simply do not have room for it.

Good luck, I'd definitely suggest deepening the substrate a bit more if you do plan on keeping them all together, to help keep them from accidentally running into each other. Make sure you have plenty of climbs, hides, and a good second level and hopefully all will be well...I personally only have 7 in a 55 ranging from nickle size to a bit larger than an egg, so I really don't have experience with keeping many crabs in a small enclosure...so I'll let others chime in there, but I do wish you luck.

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[NLindsey921]

I have been using a shower caddy thing with suction cups as a second level. It has moss for them to hide in but the suction cups are starting to lose their hold. Any suggestions?

[Rawrgeous]

Your going to have that issue. I've given up. Keeping it off the heating wall will help, and luckily they are cheap at a hardware store, but I'm tired of the sticking battle, so I'm trying out command hooks....so far...not so great tbh...sigh....

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[NLindsey921]

Dang. I was thinking command strips but the humidity is probably too much

[Rawrgeous]

Well, I'm thinking I need to clean the glass extra well and try again, because some side is actually holding quite well, but the other isn't. So, maybe with a good wipedown and dry it'll work this time.

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[Rawrgeous]

I'll try to remember to let you know in a few days lol

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[NLindsey921]

I'll try to remember to let you know in a few days lol

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ok. hopefully it works