Hello, All! A few months ago my son and I saw fiddler crabs in a store and we are in love with them. SO CUTE!!! I did some internet research on them and have learned that they are brackish and best in a species-only tank. I have a 55 gallon long that is currently set up as a planted freshwater tropical, but I am thinking about turning it into a brackish fiddler crab tank when all of the current fish eventually die. This is likely to be a year or more, so I have time to plan, but I like to research a LOT before I get a pet, so I am hoping that there are some folks here who can share what it is really like to have a fiddler crab tank. I want to hear the good, the bad, and the ugly.
What I have learned from my research thus far is:
They need both land and water, land being equal to water in both importance and area. Space should be left at the top and lid should be secure as they can escape.
They molt (like shrimp), so don't be alarmed when empty shells appear.
More than one male may not be a good idea unless space permits. I'm not sure if this size tank is large enough for more than male since only half of it can be land and a 55 long is actually fairly shallow in front-to-back width. I don't really care if they are males or females, as I find both adorable. I just want a healthy, happy population and I'm not sure how many that would be. I wouldn't want to put in too many or too few, as both can be bad for the animals.
Underwater filters can be used to create little water falls, etc. if I can figure out how to rig it up (more research needed on this portion).
Some plants are okay with this lower salinity (like java fern, etc), but the crabs may eat them and dig them up. As long as this isn't harmful, I'm totally fine with that. Gives them something to do.
Heating the water appropriately and keeping a tight lid will keep the air in the tank appropriately moist.
I would need to do more research and planning before actually buying filters, heaters, etc. I have a heater in the tank now of course, but it is designed for 55 gallons of water but as a fiddler crab tank, it will have much less than that. I'll need a new heater and filter but I have time to figure out that part of it. What I'm really wondering about is maintenance. I see that I change the water and remix the salts in, etc. but what about salt buildup and other waste buildup in the sand? Is that something I need to worry about? Do I need to remove sand and rinse it occasionally? If so, how is this done in such a way so as not to harm/traumatize the crabs?
Are there other things that I should know about before seriously considering going this route?
Thanks in advance!
What I have learned from my research thus far is:
They need both land and water, land being equal to water in both importance and area. Space should be left at the top and lid should be secure as they can escape.
They molt (like shrimp), so don't be alarmed when empty shells appear.
More than one male may not be a good idea unless space permits. I'm not sure if this size tank is large enough for more than male since only half of it can be land and a 55 long is actually fairly shallow in front-to-back width. I don't really care if they are males or females, as I find both adorable. I just want a healthy, happy population and I'm not sure how many that would be. I wouldn't want to put in too many or too few, as both can be bad for the animals.
Underwater filters can be used to create little water falls, etc. if I can figure out how to rig it up (more research needed on this portion).
Some plants are okay with this lower salinity (like java fern, etc), but the crabs may eat them and dig them up. As long as this isn't harmful, I'm totally fine with that. Gives them something to do.
Heating the water appropriately and keeping a tight lid will keep the air in the tank appropriately moist.
I would need to do more research and planning before actually buying filters, heaters, etc. I have a heater in the tank now of course, but it is designed for 55 gallons of water but as a fiddler crab tank, it will have much less than that. I'll need a new heater and filter but I have time to figure out that part of it. What I'm really wondering about is maintenance. I see that I change the water and remix the salts in, etc. but what about salt buildup and other waste buildup in the sand? Is that something I need to worry about? Do I need to remove sand and rinse it occasionally? If so, how is this done in such a way so as not to harm/traumatize the crabs?
Are there other things that I should know about before seriously considering going this route?
Thanks in advance!