So curious what has everyone's biggest challenge been

[appps]

When setting up their tank.

For me it's been getting a fresh water system set up that I didn't have to change daily. After three years, (and knocking on wood as I say this lol) I think I finally have a waterfall running that isn't going to leak everywhere.

What has your biggest challenge been?

[Wai]

The tank has been alright, but I've been having a few deaths over the years due to shell fights and in a small few cases over a year ago, even cannabalism occurred if the victim was a moulter. There are plenty of empty shells available and are offerred meat regularly, but I just can't find a fool-proof method to stopping them from killing each other. My most recent death was Vesta, although I think he was killed weeks ago and there was a thick layer of white mould over his body. I didn't see it until recently as I hadn't checked inside the hidey cave. What appeared to be his body was so decomposed or mutilated that I couldn't be certain if it was Vesta, but I couldn't find him anywhere in the tank. Iris is currently wearing the shell that Vesta last wore, so I suspect he was the killer. I had Vesta for five and a half years. However, I did suspect that Vesta had killed Haumea and Luna for their shells, so I guess it could be karma...

The other seven of mine at the moment are doing well, but as I said in one of my depressing posts a while back, I wish they'd stop preying on each other when the chance arises.

[appps]

Yeah we have one seems to have a need for others shells. We've broken it up a few times though I'm never quite sure if it's fighting or the opposite lol because they actually seem to hang out when not fighting. You often find them sitting next to each other. Silly thing is it's much bigger so wouldn't fit in the shell it seems determined to get any way Luckily it's not been fatal though.

That's heartbreaking to loose one after so long. Sort of think you are on the home straight by then.

[Ginger]

This is a great post topic!

I would say shells for my big guys has been a real problem, and also, trying to get my tank looking as good as everyone else's! Any ideas on how to conceal a big second storey?

Yes, I have had one big fight where one of my crabs died, but that's been it. I'm sorry for your seemingly ongoing problem

[appps]

Yeah I wish I still had all the money I've wasted on shells my crabs ignored.

[Ginger]

You should sell them! A lot of people want that sort of thing as decorative pieces in the home. I don't know about other places, but in Australia gumtree is a great place for ads.

[appps]

I tend to bottle them up and send to the trash and treasure stall at the kids school fete

[Ginger]

Even better!

[ladybug15057]

There are plenty of empty shells available and are offerred meat regularly, but I just can't find a fool-proof method to stopping them from killing each other.

Sadly there is not a full proof method. A few years ago on another forum this discussion came up and it was 'thought' it was do to diet by a couple crabbers. A lot of research went into this and found that in the wild this happens to approximately 30% of molters for no known reason. It is more like instinct. To be contained in a tank as opposed to the wide open inland beaches it will happen there too sadly unless iso'ed.
Our biggest challenge in the beginning, regulation of humidity.

[emmac350]

When I had my crabs at home, humidity was the biggest challenge, which ended up being solved by buying another piece of wood for the tank and keeping it damp with salt water. At their babysitter's, it's temperature during the winter. Their apartment isn't super well insulated (they *do* live in Texas, so it seems like it wouldn't need to be) so they wrap the tank's back and sides in aluminum foil to try to keep in more heat.

...in the end, I'm afraid to ask about their heating bills over the winter. They're family, but I feel like I maybe should send them something to help cover the costs, though they always say it's not necessary.