Food dish on second level?

[Kermie16]

Does it matter if the food dishes are on the second level or on sub to help reduce mites? I've had a go with food mites and now what looks like may be booklice (thanks to Kaydeelove for ID!)! I have Isopods in the tank. I clean out fresh foods daily and the dry foods that are in a separate dish is changed every 2 days. Anything I can do to lessen the frequency of mites would be great. I know it's an unavoidable issue but would like to lessen the occurrence.

[Rawrgeous]

I've done so before, if they're hungry they'll find it I figure.

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[Kermie16]

I'm thinking of giving it a shot!

[aussieJJDude]

I've always had my food dish on the second level. No problems from me, and I like that the crabs have to "work" for their food a bit - even though most just sleep near the food... Plus it does keep things a bit cleaner!

[Kermie16]

Ok cool! I'm going to give it a try. I made a temporary shell shack with a locker crate I found at Walmart for $2.00. I put it over the coco hermie hut and cut openings for hermies to go in and out. Cholla wood zip tied to top edges so shell shack and food on top level. Honestly looks like hermie jail Gonna have to think of something else more pleasing to look at! Lol!!

[Cortnilin]

I don't know what your setup looks like but I was able to create a pretty cool and spacious second level in my tank using a plastic dish drainer and some locking suction cups. I also got the Flukers Spring loaded bamboo bars to use fo reinforcement on the corners. However, I cut the dish drainer to fit very tightly between the glass and it stays with no problem and I haven't needed the bamboo bars.


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[Kermie16]

Interesting! I will have to look into that too:) Thanks!

[Crabinski]

I don't know what your setup looks like but I was able to create a pretty cool and spacious second level in my tank using a plastic dish drainer and some locking suction cups. I also got the Flukers Spring loaded bamboo bars to use fo reinforcement on the corners. However, I cut the dish drainer to fit very tightly between the glass and it stays with no problem and I haven't needed the bamboo bars.

That dish drainer idea sounds very good. Can you post a picture of the set-up?

[Kermie16]

Went to Hobby Lobby today - big mistake but couldn't help it with a 40%off coupon!! Got plenty of river rocks and natural seashells along with more fish net. I have a plan (another one lol!) - will see if it works. If it does I will post pics.

[Cortnilin]

I don't know what your setup looks like but I was able to create a pretty cool and spacious second level in my tank using a plastic dish drainer and some locking suction cups. I also got the Flukers Spring loaded bamboo bars to use fo reinforcement on the corners. However, I cut the dish drainer to fit very tightly between the glass and it stays with no problem and I haven't needed the bamboo bars.

That dish drainer idea sounds very good. Can you post a picture of the set-up?

It's a little hard to see in my pics, but I have so much in the tank it hides the suction cups and what not. I, obviously, have a tall tank but I am confident that the same concept would apply nicely in any tank depending on decor etc. the trick for me was to cut the dish drainer so it fit very snuggly in between the two sides of glass. The suction cups just add reinforcement, but I think it would stay in place without them. I have a large crab though and didn't want to risk a collapse. The big guy stomps all over it and it won't budge. my crabs have doubled their floor space and love love love the upper deck. Bc my tank is so tall I was also able to add 2 'third' levels. One is a tree (as I am calling it) made by using a basket, some suction cups, and a knot I cut off of a piece of driftwood. The other was a soap dish with a mushroom ledge zip tied to it to create a climb/hide.


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[Cortnilin]

And I just used a lighter and screwdriver to poke holes in the dish drainer for the suction cups......


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[Kermie16]

What a great idea! Love the creativity! Will have to keep that in mind for our tat too! Thanks for sharing

[Crabinski]

It's a little hard to see in my pics, but I have so much in the tank it hides the suction cups and what not. I, obviously, have a tall tank but I am confident that the same concept would apply nicely in any tank depending on decor etc. the trick for me was to cut the dish drainer so it fit very snuggly in between the two sides of glass. The suction cups just add reinforcement, but I think it would stay in place without them. I have a large crab though and didn't want to risk a collapse. The big guy stomps all over it and it won't budge. my crabs have doubled their floor space and love love love the upper deck. Bc my tank is so tall I was also able to add 2 'third' levels. One is a tree (as I am calling it) made by using a basket, some suction cups, and a knot I cut off of a piece of driftwood. The other was a soap dish with a mushroom ledge zip tied to it to create a climb/hide.

This is fabulous! Thank you for the details on how you put the level together and I'm glad that your "big guy stomps all over it" as I also have a big fella and was wondering if it would stand up to his antics.

[Cortnilin]

This is fabulous! Thank you for the details on how you put the level together and I'm glad that your "big guy stomps all over it" as I also have a big fella and was wondering if it would stand up to his antics.[/quote]

Thanks! It's worked out extremely well for me


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[soilentgringa]

It looks great! Good use of space in that ExoTerra!

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