New Tank extension, 90 becoms 115 with UVB!

kuza · Post by **kuza** » Tue Jun 11, 2013 5:11 am

This is a direct copy/paste from HCA site so some of you have probably already seen this.---So I've been looking for a viable UVB solution for my tank for a while now and finally came up with a solution that will work with any 75 or 90 gallon tank. However, it's a boat load of work. 1. Find the right extension. I found the 18 inch deep exo-terra terrariums are the perfect size to fit on top of the 75/90 gallon frame. You could go with the 18x18 tank but I liked having it cover one whole side of the tank so I purchased the 24 x 18 x 12H version. I would think this would be even better for a 75 gallon since it's not super easy to reach the substrate now, but I may be able to add a couple more inches to it now. The 12 inch height is perfect distance away from the crabs so i got a high output UVB 200 bulb.- cut molded corners off tank bottom.- remove screen from lid- Cut plexiglass to cover 2nd half of lid.- Break out bottom glass from new terrarium. - Cut lots of strips of industrial strength sticky back Velcro. Apply to both tanks so they can get a grip. - use lots of electrical tape to cover the excessive air holes. One of the great bonuses to the new layout is I was able to drill holes around the old lid ledge, which I now hook through to hold stuff up instead of using suctions cups. I'm down to 3 suction cups per side holding stuff up. I can give greater detail to anyone willing to give this a try, but it's not going to be easy, some of those steps were very difficult. Anyway, here's the new tat!!

Theodora · Post by **Theodora** » Tue Jun 11, 2013 6:10 am

AWESOME!!!!! I DEF NEED TIPS!!! Could you post his pics and tips in this: http://landhermitcrabs.com/eve...5100321/m/9604052438 thread?

kuza · Post by **kuza** » Tue Jun 11, 2013 6:20 am

Sure when I get some time later, I barely had enough time to copy/paste this thread, lol.

sonny · Post by **sonny** » Tue Jun 11, 2013 8:36 am

that is so cool for them, thats where i would want to be! setup is incredible. let us now if the humidity is stable for you ,and how you adjusted your routine please? thanks

kuza · Post by **kuza** » Tue Jun 11, 2013 9:49 am

Everything is holding steady, I blocked most holes with black electrical tape.

Post by **JediMasterThrash** » Tue Jun 11, 2013 2:21 pm

I like the use of the plastic mesh to prop the cholla off the ground.

kuza · Post by **kuza** » Tue Jun 11, 2013 3:48 pm

Thanks, I also use it to block the cholla ends from small crabs getting stuck, works great!

dylan644 · Post by **dylan644** » Tue Jun 11, 2013 5:15 pm

Kuza, I just randomly noticed this. Do you keep you sand level at all times or do you just level it out on cleanings?

kuza · Post by **kuza** » Tue Jun 11, 2013 5:38 pm

I'll level it out every 2 days when i clean the water dishes out. And I'll also level it out with a long spoon before I take pictures. Any other day it's a battle zone.

kuza · Post by **kuza** » Tue Jun 11, 2013 5:42 pm

for example

Laurie LeAnn · Post by **Laurie LeAnn** » Wed Jun 12, 2013 9:37 am

ya I remember those days of being picky, smooth out the sand.. oh look you little crabs you messed up the tank I would re do it all, now it's eh' you messed it up you live with it, your wild creatures! I will stir up my e.e. about every 2 weeks and get any poop I see about once a week, hard to see on e.e..mine never used any hidey huts of any kind, so I took them all out, mine like being in the caddy out in the open, one side of my tank is blocked off from high traffic zooming by { us }and after so many years they are not skiddish any more. I like your set up, really have lots of room to add climbing

dylan644 · Post by **dylan644** » Wed Jun 12, 2013 1:09 pm

I thought you did something because every time I see a picture of you tank it is always nice and neat. Wow, that's something that only I would bring up to someone!lol

Post by **JediMasterThrash** » Wed Jun 12, 2013 2:07 pm

I'm also digging that flying plastic borg cube!

kuza · Post by **kuza** » Wed Jun 12, 2013 3:47 pm

quote:Originally posted by Jedi Master Thrash:I'm also digging that flying plastic borg cube! lol Thanks! That's actually a fan but great name for it. I used a 12 volt computer case fan, lowest dB I could find with high air throughout. It's my 2nd version. The previous one was much smaller but less space to climb and less air flow. They use it pretty much daily so I'm pretty pleased with it.

Keg · Post by **Keg** » Wed Jun 12, 2013 6:30 pm

That is so breathtaking. I wish I was that crab for a little while.