Better Nets?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Apr 17, 2010 11:40 pm

Which net would be better to buy? The kind from Micheal's which is a used fish net. Or the homemade hemp kind like the ones sold here?

http://www.hermitcrabaddictionstore.com ... _HEMP_NETS

Does one hold up long than the other? Or are they about the same sturdyness? Michaels is cheaper but Im afraid it would rot too quickly.

SachOfSCP · Post by **SachOfSCP** » Sun Apr 18, 2010 2:29 am

From what I have heard, the used fish net is right out because the crabbies leg joints can get caught in them and the will drop a leg to get unstuck. Hemp or jute nets are supposed to be better because the fibers will break if the crab gets stuck, but that your best bet is actually no nets at all. I would get some coco fiber (they sell it at Garden stores & it's like $3 for a huge piece) or a grass climbing mat.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Apr 18, 2010 9:34 am

I've never heard not to use the Michael's fish nets? That's what I have, Its holding up just fine, my guys climb on it all the time and haven't had any problems that I've seen. I just hung it on the back wall with suction cups from the dollar store (plastic hooks) I even have some in the corner like a hammock... Seems to be working great for me! (Give it a try and see what you think before spending more money than you need to!) I boiled mine for a long time, before adding it to the tank per the recommendations on this site.

Post by **wodesorel** » Sun Apr 18, 2010 9:48 am

I've heard the theory of crabs getting stuck in the fishing nets mentioned around here a lot lately, but I'm wondering - Has anyone actually had this happen? I haven't seen any posts of crabs getting hurt or dying from one.

I use fishnets and I find them to be perfect for bridges and ladders. The crabs can get easy purchase and a really good grip on them. I even use them for "hammocks" as second levels. I've found that braiding the netting makes it even easier for the crabs to climb, and it looks neat too!

The fishnet from Michaels (which is from US Shells - same supplier as the ones in Walmart) is real fishnet, so it's made from some sort of polyester and won't rot at all. It does come really dirty though, so be prepared to rinse it out well and boil it first! (And it smells rather funky as well.)

sugarselections · Post by **sugarselections** » Sun Apr 18, 2010 9:51 am

Personally, I don't believe it's true that the fishing nets from Michael's cause injuries. I've used the thick nets from Michael's for years with no problems. I really like them and the crabs love climbing them. At one time I also had nets from the Addiction store but they rotted.

suebee · Post by **suebee** » Sun Apr 18, 2010 3:30 pm

fishing nets are made to catch things like crabs. No nets with plastic or strong thin material should be used in a crab tank. If you must use nets i would use thick jute, yes it doesnt last as long for many years like fishing net but yes it will give and let a crab get away instead of him dropping a leg to get out. One of the importers was using netting to ship crabs in and many crabs came in dead, or missing lots of legs or body parts. If you have ever had a rope burn or string pull through your hand you know how sharp it can be. This one is a common sense one. After speaking to both Bob of the Exotic land hermit crab site and Tammy and kirk of the hermit crab patch web sites (both are importers and have had many studies on crabs and crab care for many years) I will not have nets in my tank. I suggest others consider this too.
Id rather take a net out then take the chance of being wrong.. There are much more safe climbing items for crabs..

CallaLily · Post by **CallaLily** » Sun Apr 18, 2010 4:00 pm

I'm actually planning to pick up the fishing net from the craft section of Walmart tomorrow. I've used it in the past (a piece much too small for what I want to do in this 'tat) with no problems.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Apr 18, 2010 4:51 pm

If you have ever had a rope burn or string pull through your hand you know how sharp it can be.

There is only about a half inch between the next "link" in the net, I know that my crabs aren't sliding on the ropes like fireman's poles!

I don't see how they could get a rope burn!

Even my shy crabs don't fall off the net when I walk by and they pull quickly into their shell. They somehow manage to pull into their shell and hold on to the net at the same time! Don't ask me how....

I guess, if you have the extra money to spend, you might want to get a more expensive net, but if you don't have the money, get the bulk fishing net at the store, and cut it to the sizes you need!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Apr 18, 2010 4:55 pm

One of the importers was using netting to ship crabs in and many crabs came in dead, or missing lots of legs or body parts.

Oops, I wanted to add that I think shipping them in nets sounds like a HORRIBLE Idea! But I think that a net in the tank used for a ladder, climber, toy, etc. is completely different!

CallaLily · Post by **CallaLily** » Mon Apr 19, 2010 1:16 pm

CallaLily wrote:I'm actually planning to pick up the fishing net from the craft section of Walmart tomorrow. I've used it in the past (a piece much too small for what I want to do in this 'tat) with no problems.

So I ended up buying all natural hemp cord today instead. I just couldn't bring myself to buy the fishing net when a few crabbers feel it isn't safe. I figure, better safe than sorry. I'm a novice knitter so hopefully I'll be able to come up with something passable as a net.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Apr 19, 2010 1:50 pm

Hmm well I have no idea what I should get now!! LOL!! I will definitely look around for some other ideas. I do want some sort of netting for sure though.

I do have a plastic Choya wood for climbing. But is the paint on it safe to use??

suebee · Post by **suebee** » Mon Apr 19, 2010 3:16 pm

the plastic choya is usually made with colored plastic not painted plastic and should be fine. I would chose jute over hemp.. It gives and brakes away much more easy then hemp.

CallaLily · Post by **CallaLily** » Mon Apr 19, 2010 3:36 pm

suebee wrote:I would chose jute over hemp.. It gives and brakes away much more easy then hemp.

Keeping this in mind for next time. I'm sure I'll need to replace the hemp one eventually. Thanks for continuing to share your wonderful crab care knowledge Sue!

emberfusion · Post by **emberfusion** » Mon Apr 19, 2010 3:51 pm

Oooh. Good luck with the knitting.

I use the fish net like you would get at Michael's. The only problem I've had with it is that my largest crab doesn't feel as comfortable climbing on it as my small ones do (I ended up making him some popsicle stick ladders/bridges to climb on).

I've never had a problem with a crab getting stuck, nor have I actually read of anyone having this happen to them. I don't doubt it could happen, just that I haven't seen/read of it happening.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Apr 19, 2010 3:56 pm

Okay thanks very much! Where would I find a Jute net at?

There is actually a pretty hemp net I wanted to buy on the Hermit Crab Addiction site. I tried to e-mail them asking the measurement, but I didnt get a response yet. : (

http://www.hermitcrabaddictionstore.com ... all_Leaves

Do I need to boil these like I would with a fishing net? Would the leaves on it be okay to boil too? Or should I just soak it in salt water or vinegar water? Or would it be fine to use without doing anything? Same for Jute, do I need to boil or soak it?