Crab set-up

Here's what I got done so far tonight:

Scrapped idea of making a beach area. From past experience, I know I don't like a complex set-up. I can dream it, but I hate maintaining it...Simple is far easier to clean or break down if needed. Got the tank set up with broken clay pots. First land bridge complete. Land area is going to be inside the taller clay pot with some loose shell fragments from the beach. I want to set up something symetrical on the other side. Realized that acrylic and sharp clay pots don't mix.

Here's pictures of the next step...

Decide to make this a tropical themed crab "resort" Added shell/pot "Tiki Hut", and palm trees. Palm trees are "Lucky Bamboo" growing in old glass cigar tubes. They won't actually be in contact with the tank water. Going to start cycling the tank this weekend with an established filter. Crabs should be "vacationing" in about 3 weeks.

Mgamer20o0 said:

i would think about ditching the Bamboo. i had a crab that used everything to get out of the tank. i see that as a possible way out.

Click to expand...

Are they as bad as crayfish? I had one once that ended up 3 rooms away in my husband's side of the bed under his pillow. Only thing I can think of is that he crawled up the HOB filter and got out through the hole next to the HOB in the hood...Husband was not happy :rant2: These crabs are testing the limits of his patience already....he's not looking forward to any possible carpet surfing. Thankfully they are in a more secure location and I am going to make a custom hood for them to prevent excapees.

I'll have to see how they interact with the tubes......I'm expecting the water level to just barely touch the tubes...worse case scenario, I'll just move to tubes to one of my other tanks

Thanks for the advice, I appreciate it

Okay, I've got the water and the cycled filter in the tank, but I won't be getting crabs for at least 3 weeks. How do I continue to feed the bacterial colony if I don't have anything in the tank for that long?? Can I add some fish food, or a piece of cooked shrimp to create the ammonia??