Please critique my crabitat plans

[IvynaJSpyder]

I'm planning on building a topper for my 75G with glass doors of some sort. Current plan are to go about 18-20 inches taller and add lots of climbing options.

I'm trying to figure out the best pool size to use, especially as I'm not sure what size crabs I'll end up with. I know they need to be deep enough to submerge, but also not take up too much digging space.

Currently I'm looking at some 12" x 6" x 4" food trays to use as a base, one on each side for fresh or salt water, with egg crate or something else to create ramps inside.

Here's a simple model (sans doors) to give you an idea of what I have in mind.



Thoughts...?

[AwesomeHermit]

I usually have not to wide or long but very deep dishes with grids for them to climb out

[GotButterflies]

A wood topper will absorb humidity, and also be hard to find untreated and safe for them to "munch on".

[soilentgringa]

I think it would just be easier to flip another tank upside down on one end.

You can totally make a topper out of wood, it would just need to be sealed with a crab safe resin.

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[wodesorel]

Appropriate sealers for crabs are anything in the 2-part mix to cure family - so resin, fiberglass, epoxy, pool paint. Unfortunately, they are not very cheap. For something of that size plan for $50 or more just to seal up the wood so it won't leach chemicals out or get waterlogged from the humidity.

I personally do not recommend any type of melamine or any of the other recommended reptile build 'woods' as crabs will physically pick at any seam or burr they find and those claws can do damage similar to a chewing puppy over time! Regular water seal and paint are not safe for invertebrates.

[IvynaJSpyder]

Thanks for the input! I have made wood vivs for high humidity environments before so I am pretty confident haha

I use this stuff called 'Bio Shield Aqua Resin' that is animal safe and does a great job protecting the wood (as long as it's not in direct contact with like moist substrate or somethin) I used it for my red footed tortoise enclosure that averages 70-80% humidity and it's stood up perfectly. I use aquarium silicone for the corners and edges for extra protection.

Exo terras are ridiculously expensive in comparison @_@ Wood will also insulate better.

As long as I give them lots of appropriate climbing branches and nets I'd hope they wouldn't try to mess with the actual walls. As long as I keep an eye on it, should it be okay?


Did decide to go with slightly narrower pools to save digging space, I just need to make fake 'beaches' to get in and out with.

[piratetoothgir]

Thanks for the input! I have made wood vivs for high humidity environments before so I am pretty confident haha

I use this stuff called 'Bio Shield Aqua Resin' that is animal safe and does a great job protecting the wood (as long as it's not in direct contact with like moist substrate or somethin) I used it for my red footed tortoise enclosure that averages 70-80% humidity and it's stood up perfectly. I use aquarium silicone for the corners and edges for extra protection.

Exo terras are ridiculously expensive in comparison @_@ Wood will also insulate better.

I'd hope crabs can't actually dig through a solid wall of wood? As long as I give them lots of appropriate climbing branches and nets I'd hope they wouldn't try to mess with it. As long as I keep an eye on it, should it be okay?


Did decide to go with slightly narrower pools to save digging space, I just need to make fake 'beaches' to get in and out with.

I think it'll be fine as long as you don't see any major damage to the wood over time.

[GotButterflies]

I bought all of my exo-terras used. I got one for $75, one for $100, and the other for $50!

[JoeHermits]

I actually use a similar hood. It was inherited from my dad after his goldfish passed away, so I can’t tell you what it’s made of or what it’s sealed with (hardwood with resin, maybe?).

However, my crabs have been climbing around in there for the past eight years without any issues.

I’m sure yours will work out fine.