1,020gl Crabitat *New Crabitat Update

[kip.rogers357]

As some of you already know, I've been working on building a new crabitat.
This is the official announcement and the build thread which will be updated as it all comes together.
According to THIS SITE, it's approximately 1,021.9 US gallons.......

So far I've managed to find an old bookshelf which has been turned into the substrate basin at 83" long, 36" wide, and 18" high. I used a bead of silicone in all of the edges and added pond liner to avoid any possible leaks.
I've also constructed a false bottom using 1" PVC pipe and weed guard fabric. Since the substrate isn't visible like on a normal aquarium, I didn't want to risk a flooded substrate happening without being noticed.

Using 2x4's I've erected studs on every corner (and an additional support in the middle along the back wall) as a basic frame for the back & side walls and lid. The back wall is crab-safe-sealed pine, and the side walls will be the front and back of mycurrent 217gl Crabitat. I didn't want to disassemble it but it's saving me quite a bit of money, plus it's going to look great with a glass side to allow better viewing and more natural light.

You can read about this build HERE.

I've also been using a new method for creating a Great Stuff & Cement background, you simply spray it on plastic bags in the shape you need then peel it off once it's dry, and you get lightweight pieces which make easier to grout and easier to attach to the crabitat. It also makes it simple to create flat ledges for eating platforms, shell shops, or you can carve a hole for a moss pits, leaf pit or EE pit. Since I have over 4 feet of height and width to work with, I will have several EE pit ledges and moss pits which also increase molting space.
This is the thread I used as a guide for the DIY background:
http://www.beardeddragon.org/bjive/view ... 5&t=183891

Here's the rough drawing of the new Crabitat!


I don't have any current pictures but i'll be uploading a few tomorrow morning
Can't wait to see it all completed!!!

[cjmiller]

I don't even know what to say. Can't wait to see this take shape! WOW

EDIT: Will you be painting the background and if so - what kind of paint will you be using? How will you seal it? I have never made anything before like this.....but looking at that thread to the background it really doesn't look too hard. I don't think I would do a full background but maybe a side wall or something...that is REALLY neat.

[Cecil716]

WOW! So, when are you gonna open a zoo? I cna't wait until I can move out and start building a massive crab tank. Also, its a gallon off. The tank is 1021.9 gallons....

[kuza]

It should look pretty awesome! And so much room!

[Priya]

OK this forum has the CRAAZZZIIIEEESSSTTTT of pet owners I have ever seen!!! And to be honest, I really like this passion of everyone here! These just may be crabs, and a lot of people won't ever get what all the big fuss about some crabs is for, but I totally get you guys (I have a bunny and I totally understand people who are nuts about pets) And some of your crab craziness is now rubbing off on me (though not to this extent )

[aussieJJDude]

OMG!! When can i move in?? Or if i can't move in ( ) When can you ship one to aus?

[kittyluvcrabby2113]

I cant wait to see everything .....
I am trying to save up to buy everything I need to build my own custom 500 gallon tank , well my fiancé would be trying to do it for the first time but he goes to school for carpentry. How much would you say your price range for everything?

[inbloom2316]

Prices depend on how you want to build it and what you want to build with. I'd say my 235 gallon cost about 300 dollars to build. It also depends on if you have tools and such.

Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2

[parrothead]

I've been waiting a long time for this post Kip... I'm so excited for you and can't wait to watch vicariously you rock!

[Bridgitmac80]

WOW! That's a crab dream home right there! I think I need to dig in and find my creative side so when we build our house I have a custom built crab wall rather than my 55g corner.

[StephBaby]

Amazing! Cant wait for the updates. Good luck

[aussieJJDude]

WOW! That's a crab dream home right there! I think I need to dig in and find my creative side so when we build our house I have a custom built crab wall rather than my 55g corner.

Or room?!

[sugarselections]

I'm really impressed. Can't wait to see more.

[kip.rogers357]

I apologize for the late reply!!! Work has been crazy, and I've been visiting my nephew at the hospital, I barely have time to even eat sometimes! I wasn't even able to get new pictures, i only have the few from when I did the measuring and cutting of the 2x4's I know, i'm a lagger! I promise I'll update more often!

(Excuse the mess! This is my laundry room/work room/storage shed...)




Updated pics coming soon!!!

I don't even know what to say. Can't wait to see this take shape! WOW

EDIT: Will you be painting the background and if so - what kind of paint will you be using? How will you seal it? I have never made anything before like this.....but looking at that thread to the background it really doesn't look too hard. I don't think I would do a full background but maybe a side wall or something...that is REALLY neat.

Thanks! lol
I will not be painting the background, simply coating it with cement and sealing it. The sealer is a "sanding sealer" which is safe for animal/fish use. It was recommended by a few fish enthusiasts. I will be doing the entire back wall only as the side walls already have plenty...since they're on my current crabitat.

WOW! So, when are you gonna open a zoo? I cna't wait until I can move out and start building a massive crab tank. Also, its a gallon off. The tank is 1021.9 gallons....

lol no zoo for me, but perhaps a hermit crab farm!
I know it's listed as 1,021.9 but when you add the false bottom and background wall it'll take away some room. I simply rounded down.

It should look pretty awesome! And so much room!

Thanks! I hope the crabs enjoy not only the digging and climbing room, but also the open land area (more to roam)!

OK this forum has the CRAAZZZIIIEEESSSTTTT of pet owners I have ever seen!!! And to be honest, I really like this passion of everyone here! These just may be crabs, and a lot of people won't ever get what all the big fuss about some crabs is for, but I totally get you guys (I have a bunny and I totally understand people who are nuts about pets) And some of your crab craziness is now rubbing off on me (though not to this extent )

haha! yes, we are a couple of crazy crabbers here! I've always had a big passion for all the animals I've had in my care! They deserve to be treated right!

OMG!! When can i move in?? Or if i can't move in ( ) When can you ship one to aus?

You can move in once it's completed! Pack your bags!
If I wasn't disassembling the 217 gallon (and if shipping was possible and inexpensive) I would totally ship it to you!

I cant wait to see everything .....
I am trying to save up to buy everything I need to build my own custom 500 gallon tank , well my fiancé would be trying to do it for the first time but he goes to school for carpentry. How much would you say your price range for everything?

Do it, it's a great feeling to know you built it and that the crabs enjoy it!
The price range is around $150-$250, now of course i'm a cheapskate so I reuse what I can like scrap wood, and old sliding doors. I've spent about $60 on lumber and screws, $40 on Great Stuff, $30 on silicone and sealer, and $30 on liner and weed guard.
This is correct though:

Prices depend on how you want to build it and what you want to build with. I'd say my 235 gallon cost about 300 dollars to build. It also depends on if you have tools and such.

It all depends on what you use and where you shop!

I've been waiting a long time for this post Kip... I'm so excited for you and can't wait to watch vicariously you rock!

Thanks! It's hard to find the time to post with work, colorguard, and Aidan's constant hospital visits. Luckily I get a few minutes on Mon, Tues, and Thursdays! So keep an eye out for updates on those days!

WOW! That's a crab dream home right there! I think I need to dig in and find my creative side so when we build our house I have a custom built crab wall rather than my 55g corner.

Do it! You and the crabs will be glad that you did! Plus with custom built you get it just hoe you want it!

Amazing! Cant wait for the updates. Good luck

Thank you! I'll try to update as often as possible!

I'm really impressed. Can't wait to see more.

Thank you! I appreciate it!

[aussieJJDude]

Wow, looking good