Crustation Observation

There Still alive

2007-07-01T17:42:00.000-07:00

Crabby, Violet and Denny are all going strong. there are a few others, but they dont come out much right now. just an update! has it really been 9 months?

Though I had lost old archives!

2006-11-20T15:22:00.000-08:00

I havnt been posting here because i could find my first few posts. the problem seems to have been fixed, so I will update here more then! yay!

Lost quite a few crabs over the summer, it was terribly hot, with 2 weeks where it didnt get below 90 degrees. and us with no Air. :( I have Denny, Crabby Twin, Winston, Violet, Trib, and now, two new little tiny PP's and two little Rugs! :D A white and a blue. Very cute. I also cleaned the crab-a-tat about a week ago. Go me!

I am also starting a hard copy crab jounral. for more detailed records.

Added 2 more

2006-07-20T22:12:00.000-07:00

got two at petsmart last night, and a tree I have to make room for!

one poor guy is in a shell with a fat hole in it... the other is a tiny guy in a horrible pink shell.. niether have changed yet.. I have an E who keeps streaking, but then going into shells.. :(

Down to 7, cleaned!

2006-07-19T17:12:00.000-07:00

Cleaned the crabshack! Did Bed-a-Beast and Mauve Vitasand. Its just better with sand in the tank.. I tried all dirt and naw....

:( Down to 7 crabs... Lost Daisy, Walter :( and quite a few others... But little Winston is still kicking, running around like a crazy man!

Violet is very friendly. I think I would like to teacher her to run in a hampster ball... because I think she would enjoy it. :)

Rascal passed

2006-06-09T21:40:00.000-07:00

I think its Rascal.. A crab was streaking and I couldnt get him to calm down.. now he's passed :(

They Do things.. Sometimes

2006-06-02T23:09:00.000-07:00

:D They have trashed the big tank.. and I think I have fruit flies in the small tank XP icklies... So ya.. time for CELANING~! maybe for my birthday someone will get me Glow int he Dark sand ;) that would be spiffy...

Their doing well.. havnt seen Rascal to see if he's back in a shell, bbut theres no death smell...

There out!

2006-05-20T11:23:00.000-07:00

All of the E's, and Crabby and Tac are out! yay! I have crabs! he he he. Tac is enjoying the soapdish level.. just wait till I finish the REALY level! they will be happy crabbies!

Cleaned

2006-05-19T17:45:00.000-07:00

It seems two of my crabs have passed, two of the E's. Honestly, there has been so much shell swapping when someone dies, I cant remember who is who anymore. Found Rascal dug under with no shell, truely strange, I ave him locked up in the 5.5 with Walter and Winston.

The 2 big guys, Tic and Tac are in the 10 with Denny, Crabby, and the last 4 E's. I did all Forest Bed this time, no sand. Its worth a try. I think I like the Eco Earth better though, its finer... When Rascal is doing better Im going to clean the 5.5 out.. got pretty Purple Sand for it :)

Its been warm, so I have the UTH and the heat lamp off. I think Im going to switch out the Heat bulb for a UVA/UVB bulb next paycheck :) or get the light strip. their about the same price...

So thats the news from the Purple Pincher place!

Aaaannndd... There out!

2006-04-21T19:42:00.000-07:00

some of the crabs were actually out! *gasp* Amazing! So.... ya.. Say Kiri, Rascal, Walter and Denny. :) yay!

Got 2 new crabs

2006-04-17T12:15:00.000-07:00

2 good sized Carribeans. Their in my 5.5 right now.. this week Im hoping to re-work my room and maybe get the crabs a 20 high! :D that would be awsome. Saw Crabby last night, and Denny and Rascal. other then that.. not to much goin on in the crab tank

And...

2006-04-07T12:52:00.000-07:00

syill not much activity. the weathers warm today, so maybe someone will come out. I did see Walter and Rascal today, but that was it. I heard some chirping, which made me think E first off, but I cant be sure. it was quiet chirping, not as load as when i heard Kiri do it...

thats really it from the crab tank, where the women are strong, the men are good looking and the childeren are above average... (sorry, listening to Prairy Home Companion again)

Saw an E!!

2006-04-03T18:13:00.000-07:00

Saw Kiri (I think thats who it was) the other night! amazing!!! I cant believe how little action there is in my crab tank... Denny still peers at me through his little window. hope he comes up soon, He's the life of the party around here!

Been seeing lots of Walter, and alittle of Winston and Rascal. Thats the news from the crab shack!

3's a crowd

2006-03-25T18:58:00.000-08:00

Well, I have seen 3 crabs of late... Walter, Rascal and Winston... Denny has left me a little window into his tunnel, but that doesnt really count. Well, Turbo is long gone.. dug under into the black obyss that is my tank... Got 2 new plants the other day, they were on sale at michels. Got a fern for 1.19 and another pothos for .59 cents. mad skills.

I love my crabbies!

Still not much action

2006-03-19T13:53:00.000-08:00

maybe it because it's been cold... I dunno... I get a new crab today, and named him Turbo. He's an E, and VERY dark! The picture doesnt do hi justice. Anywho, Walter was the only one up. Put some stinky silversides in the food dish, so hopefully I'll see some of the other guys. You would think with 11 crabs I'd see more then 1!

not much going on in the crab tank

2006-03-13T14:16:00.000-08:00

Havnt seen to many of the crabs of late.. mostly Walter, and occasionaly Rascal, maybe Winstone if Im lucky... Denny has been digging wholes, crabby is under, as are ALL of the E's. I saw 2 the other night and one last night but right now their all down. thei still kewl pets

7 up 3 down

2006-02-27T15:29:00.000-08:00

:D saw 7 of the crabs last night! Always a good sign! and Walter is thoroughly enjoying the second level. he's still so light pink!

gave them all some yummy smelly silversides lastnight. their all missing this morning, prolly buried. Carla may bring us an 18 tall for them! upgrade! Then I can add lots of levels, and will prolly invest in a ceramic heating unit. Spoiled crabs you say?

doing good! Denny may molt

2006-02-22T18:19:00.000-08:00

everyone is settleing in just fine! The 3 new guys havnt really been seen much, except a few short bouts of basking, which is a good sign i think!

Got the 5.5 set up, didnt go for mars scape though.. I have it set up for Denny! I think he's gunna molt. He's been shell changing like hourly, and eating up a storm! :)

Gave everyone some peanut butter, and it was a hit. YAY! something they like!!!

3 new E's

2006-02-19T17:17:00.000-08:00

yes.. Once again I gave in to temptaion! Im so bad... 3 new E's from Sunrise Pet Center... I know I should support their inadiquate care.. but their to cute to leave... Im bad.

The picture there is "E's in a Bowl" lol! The Top Striped one is Trouble, the bottom, Non-stripped is Tribulation and the other stripe is un-named at the moment ;)

Oh, and Denny moved into the GIANT green, striped turbo!!! :D Im so happy!!! Go Den!

Moving Denny

2006-02-17T17:47:00.000-08:00

Denny is going to get moved.. Im to stressed he's gunna dig someone else up.. So he;s gunna go into the 5.5 with someone.. everyone else is staying in the 10.

Walter seems to be munching on his exo at the moment.. YAY!!! hope he makes it.

The shells for Denny Came in from Naples!!! I ordered a WAY to big Turbo, but their all gorgiose.. he was checking out a nice black murex....

Ralph is gone...

2006-02-15T20:04:00.000-08:00

Ralph also passed, with Bayanai... And in cleaning the tank, I disturbed Walter during his molt. :( Im gunna be so upset if I lost Walter to! Ralph and Walter Were my FIRST CRABS!!! *sniff* I think Ralph may have gotten waterlogged during a molt...

Im going to move everyone around. I have to clean out the 5.5, and no micro tank. Im either going to put Walter (when He's out of ISO), Winston and Rascal in the 5.5 and leave the E's, Crabby and Denny int he 10. OR Denny and someone small in the 5.5, and leave everyone else in the 10...

Lost Bayanai :(

2006-02-13T20:29:00.000-08:00

A sad day... My second loss of a crab ever... Poor Bayanai is gone... I feel he was prolly dug up by Denny and Crabby's digging frenzies lately.. I think he was trying to molt... :( this is my fualt.. to many crabs, not enough floor space.. Rest Easy little Bayanai

Redecorating!

2006-02-11T18:13:00.000-08:00

Im about half way done, just gatta get the plants, then I can start on the Micro tank!!! :D
Mad skill eh?

New Shells!!!

2006-02-01T20:25:00.000-08:00

AND THEIR GORGIOSE!!! :D Anywho.. eerr... ya.. they came in, and a few were alittle to big for the smaller hermies. Next order I do will have some big ones for Dens and some small ones for the babies! But their beautifull!! The fibre conch is just to pretty, as are the polished turbos and the tapestry. gunna have to get more of those ;)

everyones well, maybe someone will pick up a new shell tonight!

Running amuck!

2006-01-31T19:53:00.000-08:00

Amuck amuck amuck... Err.. sorry, Watched Hocas Pocas to many times :D anywho, the crabbers are destructive!! Den's is a bad inflence! lol! Houses moved, bowls tipped, its funny. Everyones getting along, and the introduction of the bigger crab has brought out some of my smaller, shyer crabs! :)I can also see a vast intake of food.... so either their all inspired to eat or they LOVE my new food! either way, yum!
Im gunna look into getting them a new 20 gallon. they deserve it. have to move some furniture around though!

Didnt order enough I think, and new crab

2006-01-29T17:30:00.000-08:00

So, Im looking through my order today, and thinking I may not have ordered enough E shells.. but I have to do another order for my newest crab, Posiden! aka, Denny.. lol! He's GIANORMOUSE!

A beautiful Carribean! So Im gunna have to re-do the 'tat for him.. heh, its designed for tiny crabbers! :) yay!

Ordered off of Naples

2006-01-27T15:41:00.000-08:00

So I finally was brave enough to make an order from Naples Sea Shell company, http://www.naplesseashellcompany.com/.. :) ordered a wild variety of shells, maybe someone will try one on.. (Ha) But knowing my crabs, it may be a wast eof time and money. atleast most were cheap. I got King Conch, Bursa Crumena, Shark Eye, Whale eye, Virgin Murex, Silver Turbo, Tapestry Turbo, Gold Mouth Turbo, Polished Green Turbo, Apple Murex, Peach Moon, Fiber Conch. Most I got 1 of, come I got 2 of... I'll see how I like them when they arrive, then may order somemore. :)

I have 6 crabs up!!! :D I saw Kiri, Corozon, Walter, Rascal, Crabby, and Winston. Surprize! Which was good, I got to measure them. I wish Bayanai was p, he's so large... but i THINK I ordered him somthing good. :)

Made the hermy food! will postthe recipe later, Im to lazy right now ;) lol. And they got some Shrimp for dinner.

I think thats Crabby

2006-01-24T20:25:00.000-08:00

A crab is up! And I think its Crabbytwin #1... but who knows anymore... at anyrate, he's a gorgoise red crab :) Kiri changed shells! ut I cant tell what kind he moved into!! he's hiding in a log....

Gunna make a new food!

2006-01-23T19:41:00.000-08:00

So far I have gotten together-

Sea Vegi mix- includes 4 kinds of 100% seaweeds/algeas, Kombu, Sea Palm, Wakame and Nori

Red Seaweed, aka Palmaria Palmata

organic bonito flakes (for humans)

organic dried coconut

organic dried currants

dried mango, cranberry and apple mix

Bone Aid 100% Calcium Carbonate powder

dried Garamus (or however you spell it! baby shrimps)

Oceanic Marine Salt

Im gunna get some Spirulina to add to it, and someone mentioned Wheat Germ? But I dont know what it does for hermit crabs, ya know? So Im hesitant. I gave them some of the coconut and currents as a treat today. Nummers! Maybe it will be enough to draw some of them out.. I havnt seen Crabby #1, Ralf or Bayanai in a while. I found where Winston is hiding, so I check on him periodicly. :) He like to hide under the plastic bamboo bush.

Im also thinking of names for future crabs. :) So far I have-

Arther
Reptar
Itchy
Scratchy
Krusty
Ford
Zaphod

From the Simpsons, Hitchikers, and of course, Reptar from the Rugrats.

Warm and toasty

2006-01-22T18:38:00.000-08:00

So its REALLY cold here, for us anyways... the high was like 57, which i know i know, isnt cold for many, but its cold for here. Which means my house is like 65, but my Crabitat is a nice, toasty 72. :) their happy. Crawlin around like cuties. I picked up some stuff for an idea I had, about starting a micro tank in my spare 5.5. :) lets see if I can make it work, shall we?

4 up 4 down

2006-01-21T18:13:00.000-08:00

And as promised, apicture of Winston! :D

So Walter, Rascal, Kiri and Corozan were all up yesterday, and this morning. :) Hurrah! Always nice when they stay up! Otherwise it feels like I have an empty tank! Someone has been digging in the area where the coral/gravel meets the EE/sand... two big divits! Oh well.

Finally someone is eating my cookies! :D and I was feeling all heart broken. Im gunna make them some new dry food, as this stuff I made last year they HATE, and well.. is a year old... Im thinking... lots of kelp, dried shrimp, coconut, and other good, organic or close items. :)

Saw Winston!

2006-01-18T11:36:00.000-08:00

The elusive Winston made his way up last night to eat some oatmeal! :D And he's grown!!! Yay! another succesfull molt I was totaly un aware of! lol! anyways, he disapeared again, but not without getting a picture taken. Will have to post later, as Blogger is having issues. :)

Walter and Rascal are out and about, basking in the heat lamp as usual. Kiri is surprizingly not around... oh well, He'll show up!

Up and down and up and down

2006-01-16T20:10:00.000-08:00

ok, So this morning they were all down, and now 3 are up! Kiri is by far my most active crab in the tank. Then Walter and Rascal... :) Rascal has been hanging out in the gravel.. he dug a little pit.. I wonder why when there so much EE/Sand to dig in? oh well. The tank is starting to smell... well.. like dirt.. which i think is the smell before mold, so Im thinking of changing it when I get paid :) now just have to decide on a color!maybe, Glow-In-The-Dark?

All down :(

2006-01-15T19:51:00.000-08:00

So I got the new Red Heat bulb, to replace the spotlight, and so had to turn the spotlight off to cool...

So everyone dug under and is pouting. Hopefully they will come out later tonight. I gave them oatmeal and fruit yesterday, steel cut oats to be exact. :) The loved it. Kiri was face in the bowl, and I didnt have my camra ready!!!!

Corazon Pinched me last night, while I was showing Flea them. It hurt REALLY bad! I dont know why.. maybe I was to ruff with them. Anyways, Thats the update for today!

5 up 3 down

2006-01-13T16:58:00.000-08:00

Woot! 5 of the crabs are out and playing, enjoying the basking lamp. Walter and Rascal are showing the new kids the joy of heatlamps, and little Kiri is showing everyone the joys of running up and down and up and down and up and down the climing background. Its true, from what I have seen, E's are VERY active! But I still adore my PP's.

Theres been a big rush on the treat dish lately! The new kids seem to have cought on to the great taste of fruit! Nummers! Im thinking of picking up some silversides for them... the brine shrimp and cocktail shrimp wernt a big hit last summer, but they wernt to active last summer either. worth a try. other wise the turtle would like them I bet!

Still am trying to decide what shells to order off Naples. Rascal loves his Murex (i think thats what it is!) And most E owners say E's go for Tiger moons, Shark eyes and Whale eyes. And they have some GORGIOSE turbos on there... I wouldnt mind Walter, Ralf, Crabby #1 and Winston in some polished green turbos, or Tapestriy Turbos or something pretty like that :) Look at me! Sounding like a pro here!

Got some picts of the new guys-

First is Kiri, second is Bayanai, and last but not least is Corazon

Getting Along So Far

2006-01-12T18:14:00.000-08:00

Well, the new kids and the old kids seem to be getting along alright so far! Rascal has quit his agressive stuff as far as I can tell. He actually seems to be getting along REALLY well with the littlest E. Walter has been in and out, so I dont know if he's buddies yet.

I think I have names for my new crabbies-

Corazon- Tiger shell E
Bayanai- Big E in light shell
Kiri- Littlest E

Now they will change shells and I'll never be able to tell them apart AGAIN... But oh well! :D OMG.. I have 8 crabs! lol! now I just need one big PP.....

Humidity struggles

2006-01-11T12:00:00.000-08:00

The new crabs seem to be fitting in nicely! the littlest one was out and about most of yesterday, after an enitial digging in. Also, the one in the lighter shell came out last night. This morning the Tiger shell guy came out and was rambunchus! Rascal is getting territorial, jumping on the light shelled guy last night, and pushing the tiger shell guy off the climing background today. They are much bigger then he is, so Im not to worried! The new bulb seems to dry out the Crabitat fatser then my first bulb... :( the 'tat got all the way down to 50% humidity!!! As soon as some Red Heats some in, Im getting a new one and returning the spot light.

So far I have seen Walter, Rascal, and little E out the most, and some off Tiger E and light shell E. Gatta nae those kids! Still no sign of Crabby #1, Ralf or Winston. Winston and Ralf I have seen the least of lately... Molting? but then again, I hardly ever saw Ralf... or Crabby... Its always been mostly Walter and Rascal... The two competitors!

Gunna have to order shells from Naples soon. And the only good store with shells is leaving the mall... its alright I guess, they treated their crabs horribly! but they did have good shells. Anywho, No chirping has been heard as of today. I was kind hoping I had a talker! Its an awsome noise to hear! Oh well, that means they arnt under duress i guess. Gave them some more dried fruit today, it seems to be a hit! As do the shrimp pellets. :) Sadly, no one seems to like my crab cookie :( oh well. maybe the snails will like it more!

Got some new pictures, but have to wait to upload them, gatta work! I am pricing 20 longs right now, gunna make room and get one some day. :) some day soon! I want a waterfall darnit!! lol! Also, I want a palm tree! not a real one.. but PetSmart has these REALLY cute aquarium ornaments.. I know, Im a dork.

New Crabs!

2006-01-10T12:43:00.000-08:00

Well, I think I have finaly found some crabs that arnt purple pinchers! Not that I dont like my PP's, no no, its just I want to try something different. I heard one chirp right at I put them in the Crabitat! Anyways... There are 3, and Im gunna have to come up with names for them.

I think their either Rugs or E's, but Im not sure. Arnt they cute!

To Bright!!!

2006-01-09T15:50:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I took out the NightGlow, and purchesed a HeatGlow, sine no one seems to have the Red Heat's in 75 watt. And HOLY wow is it bright!

and this picture doesnt do it much justice.. Im Blinded! Anyways, We'll see if it gets hot enough, otherwise, Im gunna have to hunt down another RedHeat sooner then I'd like

Blue vs. Red

2006-01-09T11:41:00.000-08:00

ok, so either the night of the 7th or 8th, I busted the poor crabs heat lamp. They went the night with a temp of 68-65 and the humidity was up to 85%! poor babies. So I decided, since my last bulb was a red heat, to try a NightGlow, aka blue one. Well, last night i put it in and the poor Crabitat is STILL only at about 70. Im going to go back and get a red heat as soon as I feel better, have been very queasy the last few days. Oh, and a note, when I went to take the red heat out of the lamp, it broke! the bulb part detached from the metal screw in part... Dad got it out for me, but thats weird... it deteriated VERY fast.
Everyone is dug under. Im assuming from the cold streak... to bad, I finaly had most of them up! The humidity is back to its usual teatering of 70%, if I am bad about not misting. But Im finding if I mist twice daily, once in the morning once at night, it says evenly at 75%.
I also made some cookies the night before last, but since everyone was dug under, no one has tried them yet. :( its a recipe from applesnail.net, for aquatic snails, made with dog food, pumpkin, spinich and some other good things. I used the Natuaral Balance Light, since I have about 30 lbs for the rats, and its Ethoxyquin free. Will post the Recipe for the cookies if they enjoy them. May even try selling some! :D

The Purple Pinchers

2006-01-07T14:15:00.000-08:00

So, I am Izzy, and owner of an assortment of animals. This page is dedicated to one of the most mis-understood of them, Hermit Crabs. After having almost a year now, Im STILL leanring so much about them, and finding out that there is still so much that NO ONE knows about them!

The Crabitat- Shown here, is their place of residence. Its a standered 10 gallon aquarium from PetCo, cost me all of $10.99. (and people buy those plastic totes for over $11! and their only 1/2 the size!). It has an undertank heater, and a 75 watt red heat reptile bulb. Many people will say thats WAY to much, but seeing as my house is very cold, and my air temp stays around 72-78f, I feel its fine. And if you look in the picture, on the left, you can observe Walter trying to sit as close as possible to it. So there ya go.
As for Substrate (bottom layer stuff) its poorly mixed, but 10 lbs of calcuim carbonate reptile sand, and 1/2 a block of Forest Bed. I bought the Kritterz brand sand, (petcos store brand) which is relitivly new, and was on sale :) but Calcisand brand and Vitasand brand are also awsome. I have also used plan saltwater aquarium sand and many people use playsand, but I like the idea of when they eat my sand (yes, when) they get some Calcium. Either Eco Earth or Forest Bed are acceptable, I have used both with fine results, I get whichever is on sale. Theres also some gravel under the food dishes, for drainege and clean ability. NEVER use JUST gravel, as they cant dig in it, its fluctuated tempeture to easily, it doesnt hold humidity, and its ugly (ok, sot he last one is a cruddy reason, but yes, I think it looks ugly in terrariums.)
I have 4 dishes, 1 for food, 1 for treats (which are uaually messy), 1 for fresh water and one for salt water. the crabs enjoy leaving spare shells int he salt pool... Thanks guys, just what I was looking for!
As for toys, they have a peice of dried Cholla cactus, a half log hidey hut, a plastic bush, and their beloved peice of coconut fiber climing background. Im also building a "dock" or second level, so I have more surface area for them. :)

Meet the Purple Pinchers-
(No, I havnt checked for their true genders... They are all failr small and squirmy, so Im just calling them the guys :) )

Walter and Ralf- They were my first two I purchased. they were purchased as micros, and I had put them in a 2.5 gallon fish tank with a thin layer of sand, a water dish, food dish, humidity gage and a plastic palm tree. After Joining the Hermit Crab Association, I soon had them moved into a 10 gallon, with so many amenities, I had to take out my plastic palm tree (and it was so cute! oh well) Walter is fairly friendly, and is often out, enjoying climing the coconut climing background. Ralf is much shyer, and always has been. He enjoys digging and hiding under the log.

Rascal- Mr. Pinchy. He ws purchased about a month after the big tank upgrade, as a micro. I bought him because he was almost all white, and he is still my palest crab. After spending the first 4 months I owned him underground, He's ALWAYS the first one out and about, but he's also the most agressive. he's been known to go after the new guys and me.... He loves the climing background and sometimes pushes Walter off....

Crabby Twin #1 and Crabby Twin #2- They were purchased about 3 months after Rascal. They were the same size, Micros, and in identical shells. Very cute! But about a week and a half after purchase, one died (Im saying it was #2, couse I couldnt tell them apart) and #1 went under to de-stress and moult. #2 was my only crab death as of now. #1 enjoys playing under the log and digging very randome holes in the tank. I mean VERY randome.. He digs down about 1 inch and walks off.....

Winston- Winston.... Well, he's very new, purchased before christmas 05, so I havnt gotten to see his personality yet. He changed shells right away and dug under. We'll have to see!

Im looking into geting either a 20 long or an 18 high, and getting a few more crabs. I think I want to try another species along with these guys. :) Also, there are some big crabs at my work whom never get purchased, and I would like to one day save one, and have a big crab! (though at this rate, my guys will be huge soon!)