How to handle crabs?

[blorkiemom]

I know I've seen this discussed but I can't find it now . . . how do you get a crab from bag/tank when he's acclimated? I usually dump fish into a net so I don't transfer any LFS water, but it doesn't seem like a good idea to net crabs with their itty bitty feet . . . should I risk the traces of LFS water that might be left in the bag and just dump (on the bottom of the tank)? Pick up with gloves? Use a slotted spoon?

 

[phases99]

A very fine brine shrimp net works well for small inverts, otherwise use your hands, preferably wearing gloves.

 

[seaham358]

No LFS water in tank , bad idea as you know... I pick them up from behind or I use a food strainer

 

[blorkiemom]

Thanks for the tips. Looks like a couple more items on my to-buy list!

 

[poppab02]

NM

 

[XXFirefighter]

Just use your hands...
they aren't gonna take off a finger...
I take everything from my bag dump it into my hands @ the kitchen sink then walk to the living room and drop em in the tank...

 

[stevelikesfish]

dont use a metal spoon!!

 

[blorkiemom]

Hee, XX Firefighter, wasn't worried about taking off a finger! More like my hands would be bad for him. The crab in question is an emerald, BTW, and I have to say I'm amazed at how much he poops! He hung out on a rock all night stuffing algae into his mouth as fast as his claws would go and this morning the whole rock is surrounded by crab poop. Man, he has a busy digestive system!