Our first ponds.

Sillysheep · Post by **Sillysheep** » Tue Sep 19, 2017 10:33 pm

I honestly had no idea that hermit crabs required water deep enough to completely submerge themselves. I've had a tank for 3 years, now, up to 40 gallons. They have grown so fast. I have always kept salt and fresh water dishes, like drinking dishes, you know. Since I've joiNed this forum, I saw that they have to have more than that, so I made them some really neat pools, bubbles and all. So far, even my nosey girl, has only gone to the edge to drink. I need suggestions of what to do, if anything. I read somewhere that with a new water source, I would probably see them in it a lot. This is the 3rd day and as far as I know, they've not been in it at all.

Sillysheep · Post by **Sillysheep** » Tue Sep 19, 2017 10:40 pm

Oops. I just realized I should've put this in food and water. Guess you can move it? Thank you. Sorry bout that.

Happyhermiehome · Post by **Happyhermiehome** » Tue Sep 19, 2017 10:57 pm

They might be taking dips at like 3am so no one see them lol

Sillysheep · Post by **Sillysheep** » Tue Sep 19, 2017 11:03 pm

Do your crabs spend much time in the water? Another thing that is really cool, I never thought of, is a wheel for them to walk on. What's you're experience with them?

Post by **aussieJJDude** » Wed Sep 20, 2017 3:14 am

Sometimes when its something new crabs do take time to get use to it. (Your species of crabs, PP's also don't 'swim' as much in comparison to other species as well) Give them some time, they will appreciate it.

Most people say that their crabs love to use wheels. If you have the funds or the willpower to do so, I'd encourage you to do and report back your findings.

Happyhermiehome · Post by **Happyhermiehome** » Wed Sep 20, 2017 6:48 am

Sillysheep wrote:Do your crabs spend much time in the water? Another thing that is really cool, I never thought of, is a wheel for them to walk on. What's you're experience with them?

My crabs are PPs Too and I know they do go in the pools cuz they are always have quite a bit of sand and poo when I change the water but I rarely ever see them do much more than dip their toes in. Also yeah, if u just added the bubbler they might take a while to get used to it.

My crabs love the wheel! I got a small one on eBay for dirt cheap and modified it with the craft mesh and zip ties. I think with the supplies and everything it was under $10 to make. I have one crabby that walks that wheel every single night like it's his job!

I have seen him on there as long as 2.5 hours at a time. In fact he's on it right now! Sooo yeah well worth the investment! Though it did take them a few weeks to figure out what the heck it is lol.

YouTube · Post by **GotButterflies** » Wed Sep 20, 2017 9:02 am

I have 4 crabitats with a total of 7 modified wheels - they all get used constantly - totally worth it!!

Great conversation piece too!!

KayedeeLove<3 · Post by **KayedeeLove<3** » Wed Sep 20, 2017 11:55 pm

Yes i think they use the wheel more than anything in the tank!

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Sillysheep · Post by **Sillysheep** » Fri Sep 22, 2017 6:35 am

Would I just continue to use quick reply or what? Anyway.... still no soakers. Dorothy does go all around the edge and she thinks she wants to, just hasn't yet. I haven't seen each one drink from these, only assuming they do. We are accustomed to drinking water dishes changed out every evening. There is no room for those now, am I safe to have these for the only water supply? I can change often, they each have double pans.

I did go get a wheel yesterday. Modified it, thanks for the instructions GotButterflies. Even though I had to do it a little different because my canvas was not big enough, and my wheel was different than yours. Do you thimk I should take them out of tank for play to learn it. What is the best way to introduce them to new toys such as this.I watched some videos of a "flat like" wheel that was cool. I just want them to love it....

I do not know how to add pictures to this post, only the "pictures" board. I guess for now I will put a picture of their wheel and pools there. Please always let me know how to right my wrongs in posting and crab care.

Not great picture quality, but I can add pictures with my phone easy. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Happyhermiehome · Post by **Happyhermiehome** » Fri Sep 22, 2017 6:43 am

u could try putting a lil yummy treat inside to encourage them to check it out

And those pools look great! I don't think u should need another set of water dishes. They look very inviting and easy to climb in n out of

Sillysheep · Post by **Sillysheep** » Fri Sep 22, 2017 7:34 am

Ahhhh.....duh......I didn't even think of that. I want to put little bells all over it so I know when one of em walks in it. Hahaha

Happyhermiehome · Post by **Happyhermiehome** » Fri Sep 22, 2017 1:57 pm

I read something here once about someone trying to hook up a pedometer to their wheel to see if and how much the crabs were using it. Idk if the project ever became a reality but it's a great idea! Annnd someone else recently hooked up IR motion sensor cameras to see what their straws were really up to at night and it worked lol!.

Oh and btw, it that a Galileo thermometer in your tank I spy???

Sillysheep · Post by **Sillysheep** » Fri Sep 22, 2017 2:24 pm

Happyhermiehome wrote:I read something here once about someone trying to hook up a pedometer to their wheel to see if and how much the crabs were using it. Idk if the project ever became a reality but it's a great idea! Annnd someone else recently hooked up IR motion sensor cameras to see what their straws were really up to at night and it worked lol!.

Oh and btw, it that a Galileo thermometer in your tank I spy???

It is a Galileo, it works good even though estimated, because I have under tank heaters.

I was thinking something funny earlier. The wheel and all the fun things are for my crabs and their well being and quality life. I, love to watch just as much as I want them to have fun.

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Sillysheep · Post by **Sillysheep** » Fri Sep 22, 2017 2:27 pm

Sillysheep wrote:
Happyhermiehome wrote:I read something here once about someone trying to hook up a pedometer to their wheel to see if and how much the crabs were using it. Idk if the project ever became a reality but it's a great idea! Annnd someone else recently hooked up IR motion sensor cameras to see what their straws were really up to at night and it worked lol!.

Oh and btw, it that a Galileo thermometer in your tank I spy???
It is a Galileo, it works good even though estimated, because I have under tank heaters.

I was thinking something funny earlier. The wheel and all the fun things are for my crabs and their well being and quality life. I, love to watch just as much as I want them to have fun.

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See...I just peaked in and Dorothy is on the edge of the deep end dandling her legs. Errrrrr....

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ROSIEonFIRE · Post by **ROSIEonFIRE** » Mon Sep 25, 2017 12:56 pm

Sillysheep wrote:I honestly had no idea that hermit crabs required water deep enough to completely submerge themselves. I've had a tank for 3 years, now, up to 40 gallons. They have grown so fast. I have always kept salt and fresh water dishes, like drinking dishes, you know. Since I've joiNed this forum, I saw that they have to have more than that, so I made them some really neat pools, bubbles and all. So far, even my nosey girl, has only gone to the edge to drink. I need suggestions of what to do, if anything. I read somewhere that with a new water source, I would probably see them in it a lot. This is the 3rd day and as far as I know, they've not been in it at all.

Hey silly i jist wanted to say i really respect all the work youve done to bring urself up to speed and give ur crabs the 100% best care possible.

And ps the pools and the wheel look AWESOME. I still have yet to see my crew take up the wheel or go in my pools but everyone is still really new and shy so i imagine in a month or two i might catch them at it

HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Our first ponds.

Our first ponds.

Re: Our first ponds.

Re: Our first ponds.

Re: Our first ponds.

Re: Our first ponds.

Re: Our first ponds.

Re: Our first ponds.

Re: Our first ponds.

Re: Our first ponds.

Re: Our first ponds.

Re: Our first ponds.

Re: Our first ponds.

Re: Our first ponds.

Re: Our first ponds.

Re: Our first ponds.