Upgrade!

[ciaraalston]

Y'ALL! I'm picking up a 55 gal as I type!!!! From a 20 to a 55!!! I'm also grabbing more ee and sand after. I won't be moving my crabs today though, they're both down. Rajah as been buried since June 3rd, hoping for a molt! Y'all cross your fingers PLEASE! it will be his first with me. Sebastian isn't completely buried, but he's somewhat in the sand/climbing wall so I'm gonna leave him alone too. But I'll be setting up so it's ready when they are!!

[Rawrgeous]

Congrats! How fun! It'll just give you time to get it set up perfect!

[piratetoothgir]

Congratulations!
I have a 55 gallon, and absolutely love it so much that I decided to get a topper for it

[GotButterflies]

Congratulations!!

[ciaraalston]

Thanks Y'all! I've been marking it today with expo marker of where I want everything. I measured 8 inches from the bottom for the substrate. I want a second layer built into it, probably going to be a little less than halfway across. Here's my question:
This tank set up is (hopefully) going to be a permanent one. No major changes to it once everything is in. So, for the second layer...should I build a platform to set into it, or silicone a piece of plexiglass? It will be a few months before it's completely finished and I move the crabs so I have plenty of time for either. What y'all think??

[piratetoothgir]

Thanks Y'all! I've been marking it today with expo marker of where I want everything. I measured 8 inches from the bottom for the substrate. I want a second layer built into it, probably going to be a little less than halfway across. Here's my question:
This tank set up is (hopefully) going to be a permanent one. No major changes to it once everything is in. So, for the second layer...should I build a platform to set into it, or silicone a piece of plexiglass? It will be a few months before it's completely finished and I move the crabs so I have plenty of time for either. What y'all think??

IMO, I would build a platform, as the plexiglass will become scratched if you don't cover it with something that the crabs cannot get past.

[GotButterflies]

I like to move things around occasionally, so I am always opting for things less permanent. But...that is me

[ciaraalston]

I like to move things around occasionally, so I am always opting for things less permanent. But...that is me

I move my house furniture at least twice a month, it drives my other half crazy! But i see what you're saying, i'll go for the built in version. I'm so excited!

[ciaraalston]

Thanks Y'all! I've been marking it today with expo marker of where I want everything. I measured 8 inches from the bottom for the substrate. I want a second layer built into it, probably going to be a little less than halfway across. Here's my question:
This tank set up is (hopefully) going to be a permanent one. No major changes to it once everything is in. So, for the second layer...should I build a platform to set into it, or silicone a piece of plexiglass? It will be a few months before it's completely finished and I move the crabs so I have plenty of time for either. What y'all think??

IMO, I would build a platform, as the plexiglass will become scratched if you don't cover it with something that the crabs cannot get past.

Do you have one in your 55?

[ciaraalston]

Also, for the sand/ee mix... I'll soak the EE in dechlor salt water, but how serious is the 5:1 ratio? My current 20 has 3 bricks of ee and about 50 pounds of sand... i didn't measure the 5:1 exact. Should i do that with this tank? I want at least 8 inches of substrate.

[wodesorel]

Just make sure it is easy to work around. If you ever get a naked crab or have to empty substrate, design it so you can get to every inch of the tank without struggling! Otherwise I strongly suggest going with something removable, in case of emergency.

[ciaraalston]

Just make sure it is easy to work around. If you ever get a naked crab or have to empty substrate, design it so you can get to every inch of the tank without struggling! Otherwise I strongly suggest going with something removable, in case of emergency.

GOOD POINT! I didn't even think of that. Thank you!

[ciaraalston]

i know i'm jumping in with a ton of questions and i'm sorry!

what did yall use to attach some burlap to the back? this climbing wall i have in my 20 looks great but they have shredded it into a mess! So i'm looking for something that they can climb and will look good, but won't make a mess.

[piratetoothgir]

Thanks Y'all! I've been marking it today with expo marker of where I want everything. I measured 8 inches from the bottom for the substrate. I want a second layer built into it, probably going to be a little less than halfway across. Here's my question:
This tank set up is (hopefully) going to be a permanent one. No major changes to it once everything is in. So, for the second layer...should I build a platform to set into it, or silicone a piece of plexiglass? It will be a few months before it's completely finished and I move the crabs so I have plenty of time for either. What y'all think??

IMO, I would build a platform, as the plexiglass will become scratched if you don't cover it with something that the crabs cannot get past.

Do you have one in your 55?

No, I don’t really have the interest in a second level.

[ciaraalston]

Do you have one in your 55?[/quote]

No, I don’t really have the interest in a second level.[/quote]


See, now that I've been researching ideas all night I don't either. Im actually thinking of just getting some braided rope and hanging it from the top for them to climb, adding some tall cholla wood, and some net or burlap to hang on the back. Seems like that would be more fun for them than adding another layer of flat surface. I don't know. I'm gonna take some time and mull it over.