Daws, didn't you have 3 straws?daws409 wrote:All reptiles (iguanas, lizards, hermies, turtles, etc....) benefit from uvb. It helps to break down vita D which aids in calcium absorption. As far as hermits go, straws are found along the beaches where as other species are farther inland. (More sun on beaches, inland is more shaded.) In most species, it helps to increase activity levels and their color is often better. So yes straws rely on uvb more than other species.CharlesMTF wrote:Is it only the strawberries that benefit from the UVB?
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Moonlight
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Re: Moonlight
Truly blessed to have incredible creatures, wonderful friends and my amazing family in my life!! I'm very thankful & grateful for all of them! www.thehealthyhermit.com
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Re: Moonlight
Hermit crabs are not reptiles, and their bodies do not use UVB to boost calcium absorption the way lizards do.daws409 wrote:All reptiles (iguanas, lizards, hermies, turtles, etc....) benefit from uvb. It helps to break down vita D which aids in calcium absorption. As far as hermits go, straws are found along the beaches where as other species are farther inland. (More sun on beaches, inland is more shaded.) In most species, it helps to increase activity levels and their color is often better. So yes straws rely on uvb more than other species.CharlesMTF wrote:Is it only the strawberries that benefit from the UVB?
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I actually spent a while digging up research on this last year, for multiple reasons:
1. They're a nocturnal species.
2. Their shells would block UVB.
3. There isn't much evidence that the UVB penetrates the exoskeleton to the point where it would reach any internal organs that would deal with vitamin D or calcium.
Life has happened since then but I will do my best to find the research that I managed to dig up on crustaceans and UVB as well as how far UVB penetrates into the sea as well.
I know that it was suggested a while back, by Wodesorel and other old guard members, that they may like UVB in the house because it allows them to "see" on the light spectrum they would if they were outdoors.
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Re: Moonlight
Interesting UVB info!... Hermit crabs are indeed crustaceans not reptiles but their environment is very similar to that of a reptile - warm and humid... Very tropical - a frogs environment. Yes, I realize their are also warm and dry reptile environments.soilentgringa wrote:Hermit crabs are not reptiles, and their bodies do not use UVB to boost calcium absorption the way lizards do.daws409 wrote:All reptiles (iguanas, lizards, hermies, turtles, etc....) benefit from uvb. It helps to break down vita D which aids in calcium absorption. As far as hermits go, straws are found along the beaches where as other species are farther inland. (More sun on beaches, inland is more shaded.) In most species, it helps to increase activity levels and their color is often better. So yes straws rely on uvb more than other species.CharlesMTF wrote:Is it only the strawberries that benefit from the UVB?
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I actually spent a while digging up research on this last year, for multiple reasons:
1. They're a nocturnal species.
2. Their shells would block UVB.
3. There isn't much evidence that the UVB penetrates the exoskeleton to the point where it would reach any internal organs that would deal with vitamin D or calcium.
Life has happened since then but I will do my best to find the research that I managed to dig up on crustaceans and UVB as well as how far UVB penetrates into the sea as well.
I know that it was suggested a while back, by Wodesorel and other old guard members, that they may like UVB in the house because it allows them to "see" on the light spectrum they would if they were outdoors.
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Crabbing since Dec. 2010!
35 Crabbies - 28 PP's, 2 E's, 2 Straw's, 1 Viola, & 2 Indo's
35 Crabbies - 28 PP's, 2 E's, 2 Straw's, 1 Viola, & 2 Indo's
Re: Moonlight
Yes, I feel like such a failure! I've lost two in the last week (an e and now a straw). And all of the info I've been telling others lately has been wrong as well. I don't really want to talk about it but since you asked... I lost him March 3rd. I heard a big bang/clunk/crash whatever in my 90g that day and didn't think nothing of it. It happens all the time in my tanks so I'm used to it. I was checking my tank before bed (bout hr later) and noticed Chippy (straw) upside down under shell shop and maybe 4-6 inches from corner of tank motionless and somewhat tucked into his shell. Again falls are normal in my tank so seeing him like this was normal looking.... Other than the glass of the tank, there's nothing in there that would harm them if they were to fall. My shell shops are seagrass baskets so my guess is that he was climbing the bottom, fell and hit side of tank. Maybe didn't have time to tuck into his shell... Or his shell was too small and he couldn't tuck all way in. Hugo was also on top of shell shop (his favorite spot). Maybe he was coming out and spooked Chippy to the point of letting go and crashing. Idk; all I know there was a big crash and he was motionless. I did isolate him the next morning (bout 5 hrs later and he still hadn't moved) within the tank but he didn't make it.... I'm so bummed and I feel like a complete failure! I've never had any problems with my babes but gosh, somethings gotta give. I don't think I can take losing another right now.GotButterflies wrote:Daws, didn't you have 3 straws?
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Re: Moonlight
So sorry to hear about Chippy Daws! Don't beat yourself up about it. Sounds like a freak accident. You aren't a failure! Doesn't sound like you could have done anything about that. I totally get being bummed about it. Especially over two exotics. Hang in there!daws409 wrote:Yes, I feel like such a failure! I've lost two in the last week (an e and now a straw). And all of the info I've been telling others lately has been wrong as well. I don't really want to talk about it but since you asked... I lost him March 3rd. I heard a big bang/clunk/crash whatever in my 90g that day and didn't think nothing of it. It happens all the time in my tanks so I'm used to it. I was checking my tank before bed (bout hr later) and noticed Chippy (straw) upside down under shell shop and maybe 4-6 inches from corner of tank motionless and somewhat tucked into his shell. Again falls are normal in my tank so seeing him like this was normal looking.... Other than the glass of the tank, there's nothing in there that would harm them if they were to fall. My shell shops are seagrass baskets so my guess is that he was climbing the bottom, fell and hit side of tank. Maybe didn't have time to tuck into his shell... Or his shell was too small and he couldn't tuck all way in. Hugo was also on top of shell shop (his favorite spot). Maybe he was coming out and spooked Chippy to the point of letting go and crashing. Idk; all I know there was a big crash and he was motionless. I did isolate him the next morning (bout 5 hrs later and he still hadn't moved) within the tank but he didn't make it.... I'm so bummed and I feel like a complete failure! I've never had any problems with my babes but gosh, somethings gotta give. I don't think I can take losing another right now.GotButterflies wrote:Daws, didn't you have 3 straws?
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Truly blessed to have incredible creatures, wonderful friends and my amazing family in my life!! I'm very thankful & grateful for all of them! www.thehealthyhermit.com
Re: Moonlight
Thanks! That made me feel a little betterGotButterflies wrote:So sorry to hear about Chippy Daws! Don't beat yourself up about it. Sounds like a freak accident. You aren't a failure! Doesn't sound like you could have done anything about that. I totally get being bummed about it. Especially over two exotics. Hang in there!daws409 wrote:Yes, I feel like such a failure! I've lost two in the last week (an e and now a straw). And all of the info I've been telling others lately has been wrong as well. I don't really want to talk about it but since you asked... I lost him March 3rd. I heard a big bang/clunk/crash whatever in my 90g that day and didn't think nothing of it. It happens all the time in my tanks so I'm used to it. I was checking my tank before bed (bout hr later) and noticed Chippy (straw) upside down under shell shop and maybe 4-6 inches from corner of tank motionless and somewhat tucked into his shell. Again falls are normal in my tank so seeing him like this was normal looking.... Other than the glass of the tank, there's nothing in there that would harm them if they were to fall. My shell shops are seagrass baskets so my guess is that he was climbing the bottom, fell and hit side of tank. Maybe didn't have time to tuck into his shell... Or his shell was too small and he couldn't tuck all way in. Hugo was also on top of shell shop (his favorite spot). Maybe he was coming out and spooked Chippy to the point of letting go and crashing. Idk; all I know there was a big crash and he was motionless. I did isolate him the next morning (bout 5 hrs later and he still hadn't moved) within the tank but he didn't make it.... I'm so bummed and I feel like a complete failure! I've never had any problems with my babes but gosh, somethings gotta give. I don't think I can take losing another right now.GotButterflies wrote:Daws, didn't you have 3 straws?
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Crabbing since Dec. 2010!
35 Crabbies - 28 PP's, 2 E's, 2 Straw's, 1 Viola, & 2 Indo's
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Re: Moonlight
Daws, it's totally not your fault. You gave chippy a great life.
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Re: Moonlight
I'm so sorry! I know the feeling all too well right now :'(
Hopefully all the bad luck will end here!
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Hopefully all the bad luck will end here!
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Re: Moonlight
KayedeeLove<3 wrote:I'm so sorry! I know the feeling all too well right now :'(
Hopefully all the bad luck will end here!
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Hermiearth wrote:Daws, it's totally not your fault. You gave chippy a great life.
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Thanks guys!
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Re: Moonlight
By the by - cfl's are best used with a reflective hood because their twisty nature causes some of the uvb to be focused inward on the bulb, and not where you want it; long lights aren't super strong but will do the trick, though if your tank above ground is deeper than about nine inches, uvb won't penetate to the ground.. though with a good second story the crabs might be closer to the bulb when they climb, and it could be kind of like light not reaching a forest floor. .daws409 wrote:Could you provide a link? @GotButterflies had me researching my bulbs lol. I found that I have uva not uvb. Definitely need to fix it since I have straws. I found some repti-sun bulbs (cfl's) but I don't know which would be better... The cfl's or the tens/long tubes. Thanks!soilentgringa wrote: For UVB the best thing I've found is to get an under cabinet light fixture from Walmart (12-13" long) and get one of the long uvb bulbs (the 10) to put it in.
I am adding one to my 55 when I redo it.
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(Also, I'm sorry about your crebs - hang in there, accidents happen.)
"Gaze upon the rolling deep..."
Quince the fat tailed gecko; Amazonian minnows; and now Harry & Luis, Bede & Aster, Chandra & Jace, Pax, & Piccolo, my adopted PPs.
RIP Vegita :(
Quince the fat tailed gecko; Amazonian minnows; and now Harry & Luis, Bede & Aster, Chandra & Jace, Pax, & Piccolo, my adopted PPs.
RIP Vegita :(
Re: Moonlight
Good to know. Thanks!LadyJinglyJones wrote:By the by - cfl's are best used with a reflective hood because their twisty nature causes some of the uvb to be focused inward on the bulb, and not where you want it; long lights aren't super strong but will do the trick, though if your tank above ground is deeper than about nine inches, uvb won't penetate to the ground.. though with a good second story the crabs might be closer to the bulb when they climb, and it could be kind of like light not reaching a forest floor. .daws409 wrote:Could you provide a link? @GotButterflies had me researching my bulbs lol. I found that I have uva not uvb. Definitely need to fix it since I have straws. I found some repti-sun bulbs (cfl's) but I don't know which would be better... The cfl's or the tens/long tubes. Thanks!soilentgringa wrote: For UVB the best thing I've found is to get an under cabinet light fixture from Walmart (12-13" long) and get one of the long uvb bulbs (the 10) to put it in.
I am adding one to my 55 when I redo it.
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(Also, I'm sorry about your crebs - hang in there, accidents happen.)
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Crabbing since Dec. 2010!
35 Crabbies - 28 PP's, 2 E's, 2 Straw's, 1 Viola, & 2 Indo's
35 Crabbies - 28 PP's, 2 E's, 2 Straw's, 1 Viola, & 2 Indo's