Where do the experts buy their crabs??

anniehorsekrab · Post by **anniehorsekrab** » 04 Aug 2009, 01:00

Hello everybody,

I haven't been able to find this anywhere, even using the search, so I apologize if it's already been adressed. Anyway, I'm looking to buy a couple E's, and my local Petsmart doesn't have them. I've heard that shipping can be stressful, so I'm trying to find a different solution. Where do the experts buy their crabs? You know, like Wai, Emma, CrabbyJo, Marie e.t.c?? Thanks!

Bye!

~Annie

emmac350 · Post by **emmac350** » 04 Aug 2009, 01:06

I'm not quite sure what you're asking for, Annie. Are you asking where we have found our non-PP crabs? PPs are definitely the most common species to see here in the US, so it just takes a lot of looking to find other kinds of crabs. I will issue a word of caution, though - PPs are pretty much the easiest kind of crab to take care of - they have the most adaptability to temperature and humidity variations. Es aren't much worse than PPs in terms of needs, and I have seen them in the little non-national chain "Mom and Pop" type pet store in town, at a Petco (where I bought mine - it was the first time I saw tiny and small Es instead of fist-sized ones), and once at the Petsmart one town over (but their tank conditions were awful and none of them looked remotely healthy). It just takes patience to find the crabs you want.

You can also find Strawberry crabs here in the US, but I will tell you right now that if your tank ever varies from 80 degrees and 80% humidity, they will most likely die, and if they don't have at least a 20g long tank for two tiny strawberry crabs with no other crabs in it, they will most likely die, and if they don't have their ocean water mixed up stronger than your other crabs need it and they can't completely submerge and go swimming in it, they will most likely die. Yes, strawberry crabs are finicky little buggers and even I wouldn't buy one right now. I do not have the tank space or the temperature and humidity stability required to keep one alive. Maybe someday I will, but not yet!

anniehorsekrab · Post by **anniehorsekrab** » 04 Aug 2009, 01:13

Yes, thank you Emma. What I meant was where can you find other hermies besides PP's? (especially E's). I think I'll try your non-national chain store suggestion.

ladybug15057 · Post by **ladybug15057** » 04 Aug 2009, 04:58

From looking at the info under your avatar 10 gal tank with 5 hermies I would like to suggest not to get any other hermies not even PP's. Seems your tank is maxed out now. Whereas E's are not as active as straws, they do need more room too due to how active they are and more stable conditions.
Aded note: I have straws and do not mix their ocean water any stronger than what all the other tanks get here. I use Instant Ocean and mix it 4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) to 1/2 gal of distilled water. But I agree about the large tank as Emma already mentioned.

anniehorsekrab · Post by **anniehorsekrab** » 04 Aug 2009, 09:02

Actually, now I have two tanks. Caylie gave me her old 5 gallon. So I'm not completely out of space!!

CrabbyJo · Post by **CrabbyJo** » 04 Aug 2009, 09:10

E's are definitely more active than PP's, and will want to roam around a lot. A 5 gallon will seem rather small for them! It would be great if you could get a 10 gallon somewhere.

I got my E's at my locally owned pet store - they vary between PP's and E's. I have seen only PP's at Petco's that I've visited.

When I got Wembley and Gobo, the cage was teeming with the poor little guys trying to get out. Must have been a fresh shipment.

The PP's are usually hunkered down in the hideys or hidden in their shells out in the open. It's dry and cold for them at that store.

anniehorsekrab · Post by **anniehorsekrab** » 04 Aug 2009, 09:26

What I was thinking was, since E's need more space, I could move a couple PP's into the 5 gallon and put the E's in the 10!

ladybug15057 · Post by **ladybug15057** » 04 Aug 2009, 09:38

And what size iso do you have, and is it equipped with all the criteria needed if you need it as an iso? One should always have an iso back up.
(ok, with what has already been posted above, I am remembering Wai's recent posting, advice has been given)
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3062

emmac350 · Post by **emmac350** » 04 Aug 2009, 09:47

Annie, 5 gallons is big enough for an ISO (because ISOs usually just have one crab in them at any point in time) but not enough for a main tank, even if you put PPs in there. My PPs (both the medium and small ones) are always climbing on everything in my 30g tank, I can't imagine putting them in a 5 gallon at this point! They really do need more room than a 5 gallon can offer, so maybe you can use the 5 gallon for just an ISO tank and ask for another 10 gallon for your birthday or Christmas and then get more crabs? I know that's a long time away, but it really wouldn't be fair to a bunch of PPs to get shoved into more cramped living quarters.

anniehorsekrab · Post by **anniehorsekrab** » 05 Aug 2009, 04:26

Okay Emma, I understand. I guess it would be like LIVING in your room! I'll have to either return it or use it as an iso. And my birthday AND Christmas are both a long way away, are there any other gift giving holidays? But anyway, my parents do so much for me, that I wouldn't want them to get me any more than necessary. You know how the economy is! So anyway, I suppose no E's for me... I'm sad. I had a dream lastnight that I bought an E with blue eyes... it was cool.

Where do the experts buy their crabs??

Where do the experts buy their crabs??

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Re: Where do the experts buy their crabs??

Re: Where do the experts buy their crabs??

Re: Where do the experts buy their crabs??

Re: Where do the experts buy their crabs??

Re: Where do the experts buy their crabs??

Re: Where do the experts buy their crabs??

Re: Where do the experts buy their crabs??

Re: Where do the experts buy their crabs??