Outgrowing their tank?

[AutumnFalls]

So, I've been wondering this for a while. I've looked at the tank size guidelines and my crabs fit within them. But, I worry that as they're getting large, they'll soon outgrow my tank. I have two large crabs in a 29g tank. My worry is that I can't upgrade the tank to a larger size (if/when needed). I live in a small apartment, less than 500sq. ft. I'm just wondering how much longer they will be okay in this tank or if I should look into alternatives. Thanks all.

[Hermiecrab]

I would say it would it is fine as long as they are not jumbos... However, what are the shell opening sizes?

[wodesorel]

There will be a point where their shells just won't comfortably fit in a 29 with the other things they need. They get big, they are active animals, they do need space to move and walk and build up a head of steam. It's why we suggest a 75 gallon (48x18) for when they get to full grown, usually around the 10 to 15 year mark. Just imagine their shells in an empty tank and think about how much they are capable of doing both with nothing else is in there and then once there are other decor and bowls and food and etc to maneuver around.

In a tight living space it can be hard to fit a bigger tank, harder still if finances put a limit on what can be done. Top opening tanks of that size are awkward, but homemade stands can be built so that they can go overtop other things, so with storage underneath it may not be as much of a sacrifice to space. Front opening tanks are another option as they can be squeezed between or under other furniture. Tetrafauna makes a 75 gallon that opens in the front with the same footprint. Exoterra and zoomed make front openings that max at 36x18.

[JTKermie]

A plastic storage tote could be an option for you too.

[AutumnFalls]

I would say it would it is fine as long as they are not jumbos... However, what are the shell opening sizes?

They don't like to cooperate for measurements. In fact, last time, Pumpkin broke my ruler! But, his shell opening is about 1 1/2 inches while my other crabs is a bit over 1".

There will be a point where their shells just won't comfortably fit in a 29 with the other things they need. They get big, they are active animals, they do need space to move and walk and build up a head of steam. It's why we suggest a 75 gallon (48x18) for when they get to full grown, usually around the 10 to 15 year mark. Just imagine their shells in an empty tank and think about how much they are capable of doing both with nothing else is in there and then once there are other decor and bowls and food and etc to maneuver around.

In a tight living space it can be hard to fit a bigger tank, harder still if finances put a limit on what can be done. Top opening tanks of that size are awkward, but homemade stands can be built so that they can go overtop other things, so with storage underneath it may not be as much of a sacrifice to space. Front opening tanks are another option as they can be squeezed between or under other furniture. Tetrafauna makes a 75 gallon that opens in the front with the same footprint. Exoterra and zoomed make front openings that max at 36x18.

Yeah. I could get a tank that's maybe 3 inches bigger but that's it. The tank is already on a t.v. stand with crab stuff and movies stored under it. There really isn't much room to expand at this point.