tank mates for red claws

[mellowvision]

I posted in the vivarium board and don't want to repeat the whole thing here, but I'm wondering what makes good tank mates for Red Claw Crabs in a 20gallon tank half full.

I'd also love any input on the overall direction of the tank...
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=110464

[pixl8r]

I don't have any real experience, but if it were me, I'd go with the brackish setup. Have you considered using shrimp for algie control? I know that there is at least one species that does well in brackish water (Opae ula).

[mellowvision]

everything I've read and everyone I've asked tells me that the crabs will eat the shrimp... then again, they told me the crabs would eat the cherry barbs too, and they haven't yet. in fact, the cherry barbs show no fear, even when in very close proximity, and the crabs seem to have given up on catching them.

I've decided to not go brackish... mostly because I really like plants and it's my first tank. I hope the crabs do ok, so far they seem to be, one moulted last night without problems. the other seems like he's going to soon. I know they truely are brackish creatures, but after doing the research I don't think it's where this tank is heading. if it was twice the size, I would probably be going brackish.

[mellowvision]

I wanted to update this, a lot has happened since I started out with 3 red claws in a guacamole bowl.

I ended up with a 20 gallon tank, centered around the crabs' needs, with the main focal point being a large driftwood flume that uses return water to create a shallow rapids area. The crabs both spend most of their time on this piece of wood, and half, if not more time above water. They both really seem to enjoy the running water, spending lots of time in it, and showering in the return, cleaning their eyes, eating bugs and algae. They also love to sit on and eat the terrrestrial moss that is growing on the wood. they don't seem to bother much of the other plant growth, but occasionally clip some brown parts off for me. They also love the dry and blood worms, and will eat them off my finger.

The crabs are known for being territorial and eating fish and inverts, so I wanted to make sure they had what they needed, and to introduce fish that could handle them. The terrain was important, and I see now that it really keeps them occupied. They have ample places to hide and hunt, without needing to go after the fish.

I started with 7 cherry barbs. Within minutes of introducing them to the tank, the crabs were in hot pursuit. their antics were really funny, but the crabs soon realized the barbs were too quick... and the barbs seemed to mock the crabs. To this day, I haven't seen a crab swipe at a barb, even when the barbs enter the crab's cave or linger within an inch in the rapids.

Shortly after, I had an algae explosion. 3 Otos into the mix. the crabs were interested, but didn't even bother to get close. They knew there was no chance, the otos were quick as well.

the otos do seem to keep together and avoid the crab territories, which shows by the algae growth in them, but I don't think they seem too threatened, just aware and cautious. they are active and do venture around the tank... but they have an established territory they like a lot.

I needed to get rid of the algae, and didn't think another oto would do it. I introduced 6 amano shrimp to test the crabs's interest and hopefully dent the algae problem. The crabs didn't seem to notice, and I've seen up to 3 shrimp at a time in the crab's cave cleaning it while he was out. They seem to have no fear, and the crabs have been acting no differently.

I've made a few mistakes for sure, areas of my substrate are too deep, I started with a lot of stone, I created a lot of shade that won't support my plants... and I wish I could have given the crabs a brackish environment, but there were simply not enough viable options for fish, especially algae eaters, that would work in the small environment if brackish. It didn't seem feasable as a first aquarium for me. Only time will tell, but they seem good, and have both survived a moult.

Anyway, I hope this is insightful for people looking to introduce red claws into a community tank. They are really entertaining, and very smart and alert, I really enjoy mine.

[Lupin]

Nice tank there, Mellow.;)

[mellowvision]

hey thanks!

[lazyNode]

Wow, your tank is amazing.

Hope the crabs haven't had shimp-pie yet.

[rwilliams254]

Fantastic

[eagle]

What about in a ten gallon tank?
any good fish choices?
i know they say red crabs need axcess to land but can they survive with out it?

[mellowvision]

no, they need land, and spend a lot of time above water.

as for fish choices, I have them with cherry barbs, otos, and amano shrimp, I don't think the otos like the crab... I am breaking a big rule with my set up, not having brackish water... but I am not ready for brackish and my tank was small... about 12 gallons of water in a 20gallon tank... most brackish fish need larger tanks. I also wanted to be able to control algae and didn't find too many brackish algae eaters that I could make use of. eventually I hope to have a brackish setup. the crab seems good for now... and besides opinions, I have not read anything that scientifically explains RCC's brackish needs. they are found in many freshwater areas in asia.

[vampie]

I believe the need for brackish water has something to do with molting properly. How long have you been able to keep them in a freshwater setup?

There are a number of brackish algae eaters that could go in a tank that size. MTS and amano shrimp come to mind. One of best algae eaters in the hobby - the florida flagfish - can also be kept in brackish.

[mellowvision]

heh. let's not get started on rainbows though!

this tank is spiralling into the abyss. as much as I love the log, it makes cleaning SO hard and blocks way too much light. nothing grows in it's shadow, besides mulm piles and algae. I've also taken too many plants out of it to plant my 2 new tanks... and all of a sudden am seeing the results of less plants: more BBA. I am planning on rescaping this tank completely, very soon... using the log vertically instead of laying down, so it forms a column in the water. this will allow me much more room for cleaning and planting.

[Temo]

any update ?

[ravenpb226]

Noticed you don't have this tank listed anymore, any update on what happened to the crabs?