The not so exciting biocube 29 rescue

[bsn_rn_cen]

Awesome photos!

Thanks I think lol. I feel like they are always horribly blue lol

 

[NY_Caveman]

Sometimes I turn my blues off for photos.

 

[bsn_rn_cen]

I'm finding that works better

 

[bsn_rn_cen]

Are pincushion urchins and hermit crabs not compatible? I noticed some spines in a maxi mini that the urchin was next to. I thought maybe the anemone thought it was a snack and broke them off until I noticed the hermit crab. This picture is really bad but I watched the crab break a spine. This particular crab is clumsy because his shell is to big. It's not uncommon to see it flipped upside down. I did notice he was tipped while "fighting" the urchin. I dont know if he was attacking or just trying to flip upright, but I'm wondering if I should rehome the crab. What would you do?

 

[bsn_rn_cen]

Well yesterday was a tough day. My stepson's National Guard unit was activated Operation Freedom's Sentinel for 12 months in Afghanistan. He had to report last Saturday and yesterday was his farewell reception. The younger boys are taking it pretty hard. We had a 2 hour drive home last night and the youngest sobbed uncontrollably for the first hour. We had to tell him that him being upset and crying would make it harder for Kyle while he is gone. All Kyle has talked about since he was little was being a soldier, but I don't think he realized how hard it was going to be leaving his family and new baby. A couple pictures because I am proud of the man he has become.

On another sad note.. When we returned home last night the body of the never to be named urchin was found. As clean as its body was picked I am starting to wonder if the crab was trying to have a snack. It was hard to get a picture of because of its location and my less than adequate skill.

Does anyone get upset at themselves if they have an animal die in the tank?

 

[vetteguy53081]

Not good on the urchin.
Tank has progressed nicely. Every tank is One's creation, not another's expectation.
WEishes for safety and success of stepson as he fulfills his dreams. Maty he meet many new friends, have many new experiences and mainly. . . RETURN HOME SAFELY to share the many memories he will inherit.

 

[bsn_rn_cen]

Thanks for the well wishes @vetteguy53081

 

[NY_Caveman]

Thanks to your Stepson for his service. Sorry about the urchin.

 

[hdsoftail1065]

Deployment is never easy for anyone, especially the kids and you have good reason to be proud! I sincerely appreciate his service. Sorry about the urchin, did you notice the pin cushion dropping spines? I have read on numerous posts that they will do this if there is a problem with the water parameters. Our first one just died and didn't drop any spines at all. On a positive note the shell does make a nice decoration in the tank.

 

[bsn_rn_cen]

Thanks to your Stepson for his service. Sorry about the urchin.

Thanks @NY_Caveman

Deployment is never easy for anyone, especially the kids and you have good reason to be proud! I sincerely appreciate his service. Sorry about the urchin, did you notice the pin cushion dropping spines? I have read on numerous posts that they will do this if there is a problem with the water parameters. Our first one just died and didn't drop any spines at all. On a positive note the shell does make a nice decoration in the tank.

The night before it was missing a few where the crab was messing with it. Maybe the crab was knew it was dying and trying to get a free meal? Idk.. I will for sure check parameters. Are they sensitive to any certain parameter I should have been monitoring closer?

 

[NY_Caveman]

Thanks @NY_Caveman



The night before it was missing a few where the crab was messing with it. Maybe the crab was knew it was dying and trying to get a free meal? Idk.. I will for sure check parameters. Are they sensitive to any certain parameter I should have been monitoring closer?

I recently lost several inverts due to a salinity change.

 

[bsn_rn_cen]

I bet that was it. My ato bucket ran out the day before..

 

[Katrina71]

Firstly, the tank is awesome. I think the crabs were merely opportunistic. @dantimdad and @Brew12 another military Dad here. Maybe you guys can get him through the tough stuff...

 

[NY_Caveman]

I bet that was it. My ato bucket ran out the day before..

I had a spike on a move and lost snails and starfish. Never had an urchin though.

 

[bsn_rn_cen]

Firstly, the tank is awesome. I think the crabs were merely opportunistic. @dantimdad and @Brew12 another military Dad here. Maybe you guys can get him through the tough stuff...

Thanks @Katrina71 it is coming along

 

[Katrina71]

I have been trying to get a pom pom crab for months.

 

[dantimdad]

My son is in basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood. He will graduate on the 22nd then immediately start AIT there as well.

I hate the separation. Granted it's only 400 miles and a few months not thousands and a year. But, I do understand. Luckily my son is only 18. His girlfriend is handling it better than I am I think.

If you need to talk, please PM me and I will give you my number.

I am thankful for your stepson's service!

Hooah!

 

[Brew12]

Firstly, the tank is awesome. I think the crabs were merely opportunistic. @dantimdad and @Brew12 another military Dad here. Maybe you guys can get him through the tough stuff...

Thanks for the call out! And I agree that the crab was likely being opportunistic. I've had 40 to 50 hermits with my urchins and they have never caused a problem.

Are they sensitive to any certain parameter I should have been monitoring closer?

I'm going to agree with the salinity swing although a rapid change in nitrates can cause problems ime.

Going to send a PM....

 

[bsn_rn_cen]

I have been trying to get a pom pom crab for months.

I really like mine. I liked it enough that I put one in my office tank. The one in the office is super shy. I have to be sneaky to see it.

 

[bsn_rn_cen]

My son is in basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood. He will graduate on the 22nd then immediately start AIT there as well.

I hate the separation. Granted it's only 400 miles and a few months not thousands and a year. But, I do understand. Luckily my son is only 18. His girlfriend is handling it better than I am I think.

If you need to talk, please PM me and I will give you my number.

I am thankful for your stepson's service!

Hooah!

Are you going to be able to make it to graduation? It was a really cool experience for our family. I keep telling my wife that deployment will be easier than basic on her because he will be able to face time. It made her feel a little better, but she is pretty bummed.