New Crabitat

[Hollym2247]

I am so grateful for all the information I have gained on this site. I got my first PPs 3 years ago at a pet store that said the plastic critter keeper, gravel, pellet food, a sponge and tap water were all they needed. Somehow, in 50% humidity and 70 degrees, with play sand mixed with cali-sand, tap water and pellet food, "Alien" and "Dora" (medium-large) managed to survive. They have both molted successfully. I have added "Stripes and Brownie" (large-jumbo) this summer. Members pointed out that they needed way more space that the 10 gallon tank I had (2 crabs per tank for the past month).

So now, they have 36"x18" surface, 8-10" substrate, a hanging moss hammock, dechlorinated fresh and MSW, and lots of fresh food. About 80 degrees and hovering between 70-80% humidity (80% closer to the substrate). I'll get a better lid tonight to help keep it up. I had already been moving towards natural shells but Dora (in the Spiderman shell) and Alien (in the Dora shell) have no interest and keep going back to the painted shells.

New 40 gallon breeder:




Beach area:

Fresh water, MSW, fresh fruits & veggies. You can see how excited Dora and Alien are to have MSW after 3 years!



Forest area:

Moss hammock, log hideaway, mineral supplement & dried protein dishes

[Crabinski]

Looks nice and you know the crabs will appreciate it! As for Dora and Alien hanging on to their painted shells, they will eventually outgrow them. I've always been loathe to immediately snatch away a painted shell as soon as the crab pops into a natural one in fear he'll dislike the new shell, ditch and go streaking if that old reliable shell isn't there. If either Dora or Alien move into a natural shell and stay in it for a few hours, grab that old shell!!!

[soilentgringa]

Welcome to HCA! It looks like you're off to a great start.

[aussieJJDude]

Your crabitat has by tick of approval! Love to see it as you constantly be adding things and expanding ideas. Looks like a great crabitat in the making.

[Kermie16]

Your hermies are cuties!! And looks like they are enjoying exploring their new home!! Great job Your crabitat looks nice and I like the moss hammock ! Will be looking forward to some new pics of your hermies after they switch out of the painted shells.

[Hollym2247]

Brownie found the moss hammock! I haven't seen him since I placed him in the tank.

[Hollym2247]

This is "Alien" who is in a painted pink Dora the Explorer shell. He has been dug down for a couple days and we can often see him moving around in his hole/tunnel. The odd looking starfish shape is part of the paint.

[Hollym2247]

Added some silk plants soaked in MSW and dried. Humidity is hanging tough in the upper 80s-90s. Temps close to 80. Ordered another UTH. Brownie knocked half the moss out of the hammock, and Dora has been hiding in the down half all day. I think the crabbies are very content with their environment, but I barely ever see them now! They have so many places to hide. Stripes and alien have been dug down since day 2. Here's hoping for natural shell choices when they come up!

[soilentgringa]

None of the images show up on Tapatalk, do they come up on the website?

Sent from my LGLS665 using Tapatalk

[Hollym2247]

They are when I log on. Copied links from photobucket.

[Kermie16]

Beautiful job!! Love all the color from the plants! Definitely sounds like the hermies are happy and at home. Looking forward to some pics once they change shells

[Hollym2247]

I just ordered yet more shells from Mygann. Hope they'll upgrade! I'm having a hard time finding good shells in 1.25-1.5 openings f o r my smaller guys.

[aussieJJDude]

Looks great! Hopefully we see some pics of the crabbies new shell upgrades.

[Hollym2247]

Looks great! Hopefully we see some pics of the crabbies new shell upgrades.

Probably not soon. My MGANN shells are all bigger than I ordered.

[GotButterflies]

Beautiful tank! I can't tell by your picture, but are your bowls deep enough for them to submerge in? Mine love their moss pit as well. I'm glad your hc's are doing well!!