New tank need help please

[HermiesIsMine]

So currently i have been using a 20 gallon long tank for my 4 PP'S but I bought a new crabitat someone had made and used for tree frogs.
I did the dimensions online and it says it's 120 gallons. The dimensions are 33 inches length 14 inches wide and 60 inches tall.
The bottom portion is a 30 gallon tank that opens up to a top area. I plan on making at least 3 levels on each side. I planned on filling the entire 30 gallon with substrate that way it's plenty of substrate for molting and have the entire top portion to climb and play.


If I follow the above plan and based off these dimensions how many crabs should I have. Everyone has been say 1 crab per gallon and that's obviously very incorrect. Could you imagine if I had 120 buddies lol. I'm going to start putting this together tomorrow morning so any help is GREATLY appreciated!!!

[HermiesIsMine]

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[HermiesIsMine]

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[HermiesIsMine]

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[HermiesIsMine]

It's already looking a lot betterthen this just by simply doing a thorough wipe down of everything. It also has two fluorescent bulbs in it and a fan on top but are the bulbs good or bad should I remove them or leave them?

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[Rawrgeous]

viewtopic.php?f=26&t=92541 That is the official stocking guide of the site. That being said, since this is a custom set up, you'll want to keep molters in mind when you decide on stocking. Keep in mind that several if not all the crabs might be underground at some point, and you don't want them running into each other- so I would probably stock on the modest side. As far as the bulbs go- if you are using bulbs I suggest moonglow bulbs, as they don't put off a lot of watts, and won't sap your humidity as bad. I personally only use an ultratherm though- so just an educated opinion.

[HermiesIsMine]

Yea I read that topic but was confused it says how much space each size crab needs but I currently only have 4 all small to medium I guess... and am trying to find out how many more to buy... I know the moon glow bulbs are best at night but how are fluorescents during the day they give off little heat (the bulbs never hot) but it's a bright light to simulate day light? Or is it too much I have 2 ultra therms I'm about to buy but I'm wondering if anyone has any ideas on fluorescent bulbs specifically and maybe a round about number of crabs they would suggest?

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[HermiesIsMine]

I'm going to be using 30 gallons of substrate it's about 14 inches deep.. So hopefully that helps with the molting situation. I currently only have 4 crabbies in my 20g long and it has 6 inches of substrate but it's always 99% humidity 72F unless I take the lid off then it will drop to about 80% humidity but within 5 minutes of the lid being back on it's 99% again

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[Rawrgeous]

Since molting space is what decides how much capacity a tank could handle I wouldn't do more than 8 -9 medium crabs, and that's being generous keeping in mind that they all could possibly go down at once. Especially if this isn't something you are looking to upgrade from. As far as heat bulbs I have never tried florescent so I cannot recommend advice. It will be an awesome tank to see completed though! Lots of climbing room!

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[HermiesIsMine]

Yea I have 4 crabbies in my 20g long now and 3 are currently molting and I'm pretty sure the 4th just finished hard to tell the one came up and 3 went down in the same night either thator a tiny crab has been molting for 3 weeks and yea it's going to be awesome I just bought the EE and 2 bags of play sand and a second gauge sense I have e molting in my 20g I'm also going to order two ultra therms tomorrow when my check hits my account I need to find out if the fluorescents are good or bad I would hate to find out trial and terror :/

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[Hermie225]

Fluorescent light is safe for viewing although it won't help for heating. I use an old fluorescent fixture for my tank it really lights it up well.
Here is a link to the light guide
Crabitat: Lights - Heating, Viewing, and UVB

https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?url=ht ... are_type=t


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[HermiesIsMine]

Awesome!!! Then I will leave the two lights there quite large I believe there both 2 foot flourescents one on each side and I was already planning on buying two large ultra therms for heat sense the enclosure is so large

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[PTCrabs]

That enclosure is so pretty!!! Wish I had that or knew how to make one...I live it! Can't wait to see it down! Please post pics once done!


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[HermiesIsMine]

Absolutely yea I actually paid $70 for the actual crabitat and $70 for someone off craigslist to take me to get it and it was a 4 hr round tripso it was a little but of a mission but I know my crabbies will love it and I find it entertaining I have litterally stayed up all night drawing ideas before crazy I know

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[PinchersAndShells]

Fluorescent bulbs are fine during the day actually! Just as long as they get shut off at night you should be fine. I was actually planning on getting myself an aquarium hood with fluorescent lights so we can see the crabs better during the day.