Crabs!

[pintsizedtinks]

Hi

I have recently been given a tropical fish tank and I bought some red claw crabs (yesterday!) and one has now died for no apparent reason, do they need land to go on as I was told that they do not require land.

I have never had a tank before and I don't want to do anything wrong as I get quite upset when things die! as most people would!

Have I done anything wrong for this poor crab

 

[WayneVT08]

Ok the title made me laugh. I appreciate it... annddd your crabs do need land. The people who told you they don't need lan are lying and are dumb. In the store they probably had them in a tank where there was land. Atleast in mine they do. But I think you were lied to. Sorry. Get some land for that other one.

 

[Tommo]

In stores they are often kept in ordinary fish tanks with no land, but in truth they do require land, i believe they also benefit from brackish conditions.

 

[Tommo]

If you need more info, why not ask at the invertebrates, amphibians and aquatic reptiles forum

 

[poopsydrew]

Hi

I have recently been given a tropical fish tank and I bought some red claw crabs (yesterday!) and one has now died for no apparent reason, do they need land to go on as I was told that they do not require land.

I have never had a tank before and I don't want to do anything wrong as I get quite upset when things die! as most people would!

Have I done anything wrong for this poor crab

Unfortunatley you have been given some mis-information. First off, I hope you dont have them in with fish as they are best kept alone for the following reasons. They need lots of land to get up on as well as water. My tank is half water half sand. Sand is essential, gravel isnt an option. You also need to have sticks and hiding places for territorys. Next and very important, you water needs to be brackish which means you need to add MARINE salt. Get a hydrometer and add salt until you get a SG of 1.002-1.010. The water also need to be filtered and heated. Make sure the lids is completely covered as they will get out.
Sorry you were giving poor advice but next time please research BEFORE you buy the animal.

Drew

 

[Lhutch]

a special shampoo will take care of your crabs,hahaha no jk

i would put some land, i personally think they look good walkin on sand

 

[raptorrex]

Hi

I have recently been given a tropical fish tank and I bought some red claw crabs (yesterday!) and one has now died for no apparent reason, do they need land to go on as I was told that they do not require land.

I have never had a tank before and I don't want to do anything wrong as I get quite upset when things die! as most people would!

Have I done anything wrong for this poor crab

Unfortunatley you have been given some mis-information. First off, I hope you dont have them in with fish as they are best kept alone for the following reasons. They need lots of land to get up on as well as water. My tank is half water half sand. Sand is essential, gravel isnt an option. You also need to have sticks and hiding places for territorys. Next and very important, you water needs to be brackish which means you need to add MARINE salt. Get a hydrometer and add salt until you get a SG of 1.002-1.010. The water also need to be filtered and heated. Make sure the lids is completely covered as they will get out.
Sorry you were giving poor advice but next time please research BEFORE you buy the animal.

Drew

good post . however it is possible to add a "dry section" in the hood of your tank. you can also put in a small pot or pool of brackish water, as long as they have access to it they will live happily in a freshwater setup. that said, i guess we should all try to keep critters in the best way. and poopsydrew has covered that.

 

[archamfr]

crabs eh? you should see a doctor bout them

 

[poopsydrew]

Nah-I love me crabs too much to get rid of them

Boboy-Thanks, and yes you have a good point about the hood and water dish, I suppose that would work just fine.

Drew