Message 43

From: SKRIPEand DUKE  <kritterlandusa@xxxxx.xxxx>

Date: Mon Oct 4, 1999 4:56am

Subject: Re: Re: Molting--Help

 

Actually the 'rule of thumb' is that the substrate be twice as deep as your largest crab. So if your largest crab is in a shell two inches high, then four inches of substrate is suggested. I use tiny, natural smooth 'riverrock' instead of either sand or gravel.

 

I have used them all, but my little ones preferred the riverrock over all the others. Try sand and/or gravel and see what your guys prefer. Happy Crabbing!

 

Message 162

From: CRABLOVER DON  <kritterlandusa@xxxxx.xxxx>

Date: Thu Oct 21, 1999 1:54pm

Subject: Re: coice of substrates

 

Gerrie Ann:

 

Sand and/or gravel is okay for a substrate. Much depends on the owner, or the preference of the crabs.

 

Many times a crab that was purchased from a store using gravel in their tank seems to enjoy the gravels opposed to sand and vice versa. A good idea is trying BOTH and seeing which substrate the fellas seem to enjoy the most! I have around two hundred and fifty crabs....in numerous tanks. Have tried both and combinations of both.... few of mine played or burrowed in the sand (even tried various types of sand...) but they didn't seem to like the feel..

 

huddling on the gravel areas... after a while I found a tiny natural pebbled 'riverrock' substrate that they all seem to love.... but the product is temporarily discontinued...No matter what substrate you choose make sure that you try to keep it as dry as possible.

 

Also, I have posted the numbers and addresses to FMR several times and they are the true experts. You can download their care sheet and call for help. I hope EVERYONE in the USA will note the toll free number and addressees and our 'crabber family' abroad can make use of the mail and web site addresses!

 

Happy Crabbing to all..... D

 

Message 172

From: CRABLOVER DON  <kritterlandusa@xxxxx.xxxx>

Date: Fri Oct 22, 1999 6:52am

Subject: Re: Substrate cleaning

 

Hi Marti:

 

I usually sterilize my substrate once a month. I used to do the every two week routine, but unless there is a problem that needs immediate attention, i.e.: excessive spilled water, odor or suspicion of bacterial growth, etc. I have found the MAJOR monthly clean up to work quite well. On a daily basis, I do change out water and clean the sponges... same with food... Weekly, I wipe down the tank with a clean paper towel... (gettin' rid of those little 'nose prints' and all :) Many people who primarily use sand in their tanks do the pooper-scooper thing as they 'see' those tell-tale signs...

 

There are folks out there that find replacing the sand monthly instead of trying to clean it themselves works better. Much depends on your time, 'budget' and preferences. I find myself straightening up areas on a daily basis as I add food or water. The above are basically proven 'guidelines', but I feel all are within a 'good health'/'clean crabitat' idea. Like Ken mentioned, I, too, used to use a colander to separate the two... it is time consumming but it works.

 

Hope this helps some...

 

Good Luck and Happy Crabbing! Don

--- MASKasdorf@a... wrote:

  From: MASKasdorf@a...

To Crablover Don or another experienced crabber:

I have a question regarding the care and cleaning of the hermit cage,  especially the gravel or sand.  I have read that the cage should be cleaned  weekly.  Would you comment on this?  I don't know how much the crabs dirty up  their environment.  Other than tearing up the sponges, knocking over their  food dish, etc.  Should the gravel/sand be changed on a weekly, monthly, or  just occasional basis, depending on the wetness factor, etc.  I know I should  boil the gravel to thoroughly clean and then dry VERY thoroughly.  If you  have a half sand and half gravel substrate, it would make it impossible to  clean it in this manner.  Thanks.  Marti in VA

 

 

Message 353

From: CRABLOVER DON  <kritterlandusa@xxxxx.xxx>

Date: Wed Nov 10, 1999 7:02pm

Subject: Various Subject Matters....plus IMPORTANT FMR INFO

 

in response to a question about wet/dry substate

 

.......................................................

 

Question:  The store I bought these at uses something that looks like blocks of ground coconut shell>for their crab cage.  They keep it damp.  I have  selected to use play sand >since it is the least expensive item available to me.  Some websites say to keep the sand wet; others say dry. What do>you recommend?>--

 

Diana:

 

From your description of the substrate used at your pet store, it sounds like they may be using some sort  of mulch or wood chip...I have also  seen a product  made from crushed pecan shells used. These types of  medium are usually used with reptiles.  This is not a  good medium for crabs as it can dehydrate them (if  used dry) and of course, when wet, they are asking for problems of bacterial growth that will  cause   respiratory problems to our little fellas. Our guys  need moisture, but not in that manner.  

 

   I have used both sand and gravel.... but now use a tiny natural riverrock medium. I chose the latter   because after experimenting with all my little ones  this seemed to be their preferered choice... We tried  numerous types of sands and gravels... alone and in  combination. I did notice that many of the guys I  'adopted' from places using sand as a substrate didn't seem to mind the sandy areas... but those adopted from places using gravel avoid the sand and would 'bunch  together' and make every effort to avoid the areas of  sand.  Crushed coral sand was about the only sand they didn't mind.  No matter what substrate you use... DRY, DRY , DRY is important so that you do not subject your guys to a possible bacterial infection.  

 

   Some folks use wire cages and with circulating air a damp or 'wet' substrate is not as much of a problem as it can 'air dry'.... but in a plastic or glass  crabitat, you would not have the circulating air to  dry out the substrate... and you are just asking for  problems.  The bacterial growth are often not seen and the result of their presence is sometimes too late to  remedy without loss of claws and legs... and many  times death of your crab.  I learned the hard way, too late...listening to someone who said that the wetter  the sand the better... because 'crabs do live on  beaches'... Nature is one thing, but since the guys we are dealing with are our pets, and we have to take all precautions to see that their health and well-being  is not jeopardized.  If ever in doubt, call or e-mail  Kathy at FMR.  She is a member of our group and most  knowledgeable in such matters!

 

Message 531

From: CRABLOVER DON  <kritterlandusa@xxxxx.xxx>

Date: Sun Nov 28, 1999 8:51am

Subject: Re: four new crabby roommates

 

Hi Beth:

 

Sounds as if you are off to a god start to crabbin'. Glad you are not happy with the ESU substrate... there is a good reason NOT to use it. The stuff can draw moisture out. Great for reptiles, harmful to hermit crabs. You may verifyy this with Kathy at FMR.

 

Please think about replacing the ground walnut substrate ASAP for sand or small gravel which will provide a much healthier environment to the guys!

 

You may consider using the small FMR pools for the food and water dishes... They are a little heavier and hard for the guys to know over.... now the sponges.... they sometimes become a playtoy... mine climb, chew and hide in them.... All is probably new to them from the 'store' set up...they are rerally checkin' out their 'new' home! Enjoy!

 

Happy Crabbing! CLD

 

--- bkantrowitz@o... wrote:

 

> I really appreciate the replies to my newbie questions and the suggestions from Christa, tbean, and Dawn.

 

Message 1127

From: CRABLOVER DON  <kritterlandusa@xxxxx.xxx>

Date: Thu Mar 16, 2000 1:44pm

Subject: Re: Sizes of River Rock?

 

Hi Ken:

 

The 'river rock' that my guys have grown so fond of is about a quarter of an inch in diameter...the 'pebbles' are fairly flat in natural earth tones... primarily in shades of green/gray... At one time, I did have some 'river rock' that was a little larger in size, but since I have quite a few teeny (black eye pea sized) guys some of those 'stones' were larger than my crabs (!) ... that didn't work too well for me since I have various sizes of fellas 'rooming' together in several 'colonies'.

 

The 'brand name', I use, is "Streamside"... from the 'premium naturals' group of natural substrates... distributed by (a joint effort of) the Estes' and Fellerstone Companies. According to the person I spoke with, this brand has been 'temporarily suspended' from distribution due to lack of the availability of these tiny natural stones/pebbles...

 

Hopefully, the 'suspension' will only be for a short time! My little ones seem to love the smooth, 'cool' texture of these tiny 'stones'... I like it, because it always looks 'fresh' and earthy...

 

Good Luck and Happy Crabbing!

 

Don

--- Beach Kid beachkid@b... wrote:

 

I was given some River Rock for Christmas and it

wasn't until recently that it occurred to me they come in different sizes!  Mine are approximately 5/8 of an inch to aninch.  What size are your River Rock for your hermit crabs, CrabLover Don?

Regards,

Ken Green

 

Message 1143

From: CRABLOVER DON  <kritterlandusa@xxxxx.xxx>

Date: Fri Mar 17, 2000 1:50pm

Subject: MYTH #2.... Tinted/Colored Substrates......

 

Myth #2....

 

   Colored/dyed Sands and Gravels....

 

   Where to begin... first of all, the substrates you purchase at the  pet stores are aquarium safe and non toxic. Many colored sands are NATURAL... not all sand  (and gravel) is a neutral tint... If you follow the instructions on the package you should have no problem whatsoever... no matter what color of substrate you choose! Many of the 'dyes' that they use for sand tinting is actually a rinse made of a "Koolaid" solution ...unsweetened of course! (Interesting note:  some distributors use this solution to 'tint''natural' shells...)

 

Many a crabber like myself has chosen the colored and tinted substrates that are sold in pet stores without one ounce of a problem, due to any 'dye/ chemical' reaction or 'toxic reaction'... Simply not true! Just from good common sense, I would never use or recommend any self-colored/tinted substrate... stick with the 'commercial' stuff!

 

*** Just a little 'tip'... is is recommended that ALL substrates be rinsed off and allowed to thoroughly dry prior to their use... and that even includes 'play sand'...NOTE: Recommendation!!

 

FMR... Florida Marine Research, has been in the crabbing business for nearly a quarter of a century ...they are the foremost source of crab information, and crab care. They are devoted to researching and developing products that are both safe and useful in the use with Hermit Crabs. If the safety of using 'colored or tinted' substrate were an issue, I seriously doubt that they would have developed their own line/brand of very colorful sand and gravel substrates! Check them out on their website by going to: <fmrpets.com>

 

You need not be restricted to the use of a non-colored substrate unless you so choose... Though your guys probably could care less what 'color(s) you use the bottom line is chose what you wish for creating an pleasant 'ambience' within the crabitat.

 

This usually means the happier the 'caretaker' the happier the crab...

 

Happy Crabbing out there...

 

Don

 

P.S.: The 'deaths' occurred may well have been due to 'underlying' problems... and should not have been blamed on the colored/tinted substrate. If ever in doubt about using a particular 'sand', check it out FIRST by giving Kathy a call. Some sands and gravels you purchase outside of the recommended 'aquarium safe' ones do have some additives that can cause some problems. They are usually used for commercial use <making concrete, building material, etc.> and can contain minerals harmful to our little guys...

 

"Playsand" is usually considered 'kid safe' and would not fit into this prior reference. Best bet... read the label... D