EcoEarth question

[CrabbySquirrel]

How do you guys prepare the EcoEarth compressed bricks for your crabitat? I actually forgot which I did last time -- either the fresh water or salt water, and does it have to be hot/boiling?

[megmaholm]

I use dechlorinated salt water. Room temp water seems fine, not hot or anything. I haven't had any issues.

[CrabbySquirrel]

OK, thanks - I seem to remember a story on some site where someone had mites or other such "creatures" in their brand-new EcoEarth and was recommending using hot and/or boiling water to rehydrate the EE, then letting it cool before adding it to the tank....

I also seem to remember someone here mentioning not using salt water to spray the EE when it gets dry (I forget the reason, though), and that has me wondering about using salt water for the rehydration, but it's good to know you haven't had any issues.....thanks!

[CallaLily]

I also seem to remember someone here mentioning not using salt water to spray the EE when it gets dry (I forget the reason, though), and that has me wondering about using salt water for the rehydration, but it's good to know you haven't had any issues.....thanks!

Initially moistening your cocofiber or play sand with saltwater (mixed according to the label - which is usually 1/2 cup salt mix per gallon of dechlorinated water) is perfectly safe and may help prevent mold. It's continuing to spray with saltwater afterwards that can lead to a build up of salts which can, over time, reach levels that can cause burns to both you and your crabs. So moisten with saltwater but mist with freshwater.

[CrabbySquirrel]

Got it! What about the temperature - do you think it has to be moistened with hot/boiling saltwater? Or is room temp OK?

[MuseCrazy]

I use cold water. I have used boiling before because I was in a rush and it was winter so I didn't have to wait for the tank to heat up. It really doesn't matter what temp you use, hot is just faster.

[fraksocks]

I use hot dechlorinated water and half the amount. Then I cover the bucket with plastic wrap (I "stole" this method from wode). This way the cocofiber doesn't end up too soggy and I can always add a little extra water to my substrate mix later if needed.

[CallaLily]

I use room temp salt water to moisten my cocofiber. I usually do 1 gallon per brick. It does end up really moist but I'm mixing in sand anyway. Sometimes I have to add a little more water after mixing in the sand but not much.

[Breeezy]

I use hot dechlorinated water and half the amount. Then I cover the bucket with plastic wrap (I "stole" this method from wode). This way the cocofiber doesn't end up too soggy and I can always add a little extra water to my substrate mix later if needed.

Why the plastic wrap? Just curious.

[fraksocks]

Since I only use half the amount of water the plastic wrap and hot water kind of help to "steam" the cocofiber.

[wodesorel]

When I moisten cocofiber according to the directions, it always comes out sopping wet. So, I go with half the amount of water they say to use, make it as hot as possible, and seal it up so it fully absorbs without having to squeeze it or drain it. (Which, if you read the directions, it says to do!) If by chance it needs more water, then I'll toss a bit more hot water in, and wait a little longer. If I'm not in a hurry, I'll rehydrate the brick in a used cocofiber or other bedding bag and stick it somewhere for a few days. I LOVE the consistency of the bagged stuff and it's easier to use, but it's three times as expensive as the bricks!

[Breeezy]

Yeah I do the sorta the same! I use a 5 gallon bucket, throw a brick or two in, and add a little water at a time until it's at the consistency I want.