Crabitat WIP

[Asheka]

So, I'm getting a 35G tank on Friday with lid. I still have a smaller terrarium (Exo-Terra) and have seen some cool ideas on Pinterest of having the terrarium upside down on on end of the tank, making a bigger second level. What I have always wanted to do is have one end with a lot of greenery and more moss and more jungle like, then gradually have it turn into more beach like as it meets the water pools. Thinking I'll have the terrarium over the water part.
Only thing will be splitting the lid and hanging the light. Thinking of some mesh to hold the fixture inside the "jungle" end.

[CallaLily]

I would be cautious placing an exo terra upside down. The top isn't very sturdy, especially in the front. I chose instead to bust out the bottom of mine to use it as a topper for a 40 gallon breeder, secured with heavy duty Velcro. I got the idea from Kuza.

I look forward to your progress! Please share pics.

[Asheka]

Hm I never noticed it being unsturdy but will check it out. How do you get the bottom out without breaking it? I was thinking upside down would be better since the top is mesh?

[CallaLily]

I wouldn't risk it myself just because it seems flimsy to me, especially in the front when the doors are open. If you try it, let us know how it works out.

I cut away a lot of the silicone and had my husband carefully break it. I was nervous about breaking the whole thing or about it being very flimsy once that bottom pane was removed but it's quite sturdy still. I also had my husband trim down the legs so it would sit flat on top of the 40B. It's been up and running for a little over a year now.

[Asheka]

Nice! I think my tank is wider than the terrarium, so I might get plexiglass cut to sit partially under it and permanently attach it

[Asheka]

Slow day at work, so I drew this up heh

[Asheka]

So, got my 35G on Friday before work. They left the fish rocks and stuff all in it, so it needs a good cleaning. Luckily, I have this weekend off as a four day weekend! I have a ton of housework to tackle (we get a weekend off every 8 weeks, and with my days off I usually get four days, so I leave the major stuff for then lol) but I plan on washing it and the terrarium out and helping my fiance upgrade her current 10G fish tank to the 20G I bought her. So, lots of tank cleaning.

I can't remember what ratio of vinegar and water is best used for scrubbing, but I'm sure I'll find it before then. I'm so excited! I've literally been going to bed thinking about different stuff I have and can get for the set up, and then of course decorating ideas hahaha

[YYWW]

1:1 is what most use for cleaning.
Your sketch looks beastly! Hopefully you take pics along the way and can write up a DIY later. I would love watching that transition from idea to implementation.
You got some lucky crabs! Happy Crabbing!!


Crabbers unite!!!

[Asheka]

Will definitely have lots of pictures! I have made a blog (blogger) and may post a before and after and such there too.

[Asheka]

So, while the shipping is a bit of an ouch, I've found an online shop that sells UTH and ships to Canada! I'm going to look in my local stores first, but happy to know I have the option if needed.

http://beanfarm.com/index.php?cPath=1204_1206

[Asheka]

So, going to be washing up the tanks this weekend. I'll be sure to take pictures.
I have a quick question as I was browsing pinterest. I saw a setup close to the idea I have. I opened the original link to read what they had done. I won't name the forum as I wasn't impressed by the board owner's lack of knowledge on some things, but it brought up the question of UVB light. I have read it's not a necessity, though would prefer having some. Now, I know glass filters out some, but too much exposure can sunburn hermies just as bad as we can.
I am wondering, what sort of wattage should I get? Do I need both lights I've done up in my drawing? I plan on getting a UTH for heat, so would just one daylight lamp on the terrarium attachment be enough?

[YYWW]

I ordered from beanfarm too! I did hear their shipping is more expensive, but in your case it might be worth it.
UVB light is an essential part of hermit crab's natural lives as they are wild creatures, but they do not require it when living in captivity. In captivity the use of UVB has been suggested to give crabs more vibrant colors and higher energy levels. I think the best way to offer would be unscreened and on a timer. But i really wouldnt know!


Crabbers unite!!!

[CallaLily]

It's not known for sure if UVB is a necessity for hermit crabs but if you can do it, it does seem to be beneficial.

Glass filters out almost all UVB and I'm thinking plexiglass or plastic would filter out quite a bit too. The best way to provide UVB light is with nothing between the tank and the bulb. I'm using a mesh metal reptile lid with mine and that does filter out a portion of it too so I'm using the reptisun 10.0 (fluorescent tube) to try to compensate for that. You also will need to keep it within a certain distance but not too close either. This I believe varies bulb to bulb and brand to brand, so check labels to be sure. It's also important to make sure the crabs have shady spots that they can retreat to if they'd like (probably a no brainer but I thought I'd mention it). I'm still pretty new to using uvb lights so someone else may come along with more info.

[Asheka]

I was thinking about trying to pop out the bottom of the terrarium as suggested, but I'm so afraid of breaking it completely. I'm also worried about losing too much humidity with using the screen lid even for the terrarium up top. My original plan had been to get holes drilled into the plexiglass part over the tank and using chicken wire to hold the fixture inside the tank, but then I'd be afraid of them getting too close. I still have a little over a month to prepare, so any insight is greatly appreciated.

One other question I was thinking about last night, is how far in advance I should have everything ready? I can't fully set up until my taxes come in (should be a couple weeks max) to get everything not coming with them. I don't want to have a fully equipped tank, with everything running, with nothing in it for a few weeks...but I don't want to leave anything to the last minute.

[Asheka]

Tanks are all washed up and drying!