I'm currently toying with the idea of having multiple moss species, that way I have some diversity (might help with identifying individuals if the spots on these crabs aren't unique to the individual crabs), something I can base my breeding efforts on as a sort of category system, as well as multiple types of moss to eventually sell so I can potentially make a bit more cash to pay for everything.
I'm considering implementing each type of moss into the moss wall, and having a different type of moss for every wall. Thus, for my currently planned nine aquariums I'll need nine different types of moss. If I need more, well, that may become an issue
An example of the category breeding portfolio would be this:
Wall 1, top level middle* (males will be in the middle, so we'll know this individual is a male in this example), java moss
Wall 2, top level right^, Christmas moss
*remember, I'm planning three tanks per level with three levels total, though this may change
^females will be on either side of the males probably, just to make less transport time when I set them up on their blind dates
Event: breed *java moss* crab with *Christmas moss* crab. When *Christmas* female releases the crablets, put in separate rearing containers and take a sample of the *java* and *Christmas moss* walls. Now, either two things can be done: (1) grow both types of moss in the rearing containers with the crablets (preferred, as this'll give me more product to sell at a later time, and I could do something cool if these projects become famous [or just cuz
]. What, exactly? Glad you asked! When I ship the crabs to their new home, I could include a sample of the genealogy of the crab for the crab to hold on to, thus creating a sort of tracking system), or (2) I could frame the genealogy of the crab, either dried or live in a vial for further documentation. I think the former is better due to the micro-life that'd be present on the moss, therefore furthering the crablet's survival (around 50% die in their first molt
). However, I'll probably incorporate all of this into something HUGE and cool. Ya kno?
Alright, enough of me trying to be coolio
but seriously, how far should I take this? I'm willing to go all out, but how many DIFFERENT mosses are available that are fairly easy to identify based on their growth patterns, visible characteristics, etc, so I'm not spending an hour trying to figure out which moss I'm looking at? I kind of need to know the limitations of my idea as far as how many different aquariums I can set up, and I'm currently at college right now, so I'd appreciate some input from some of you who may know.
As always,
Have an awesome day!
PS, I'm super pumped, as I'm starting to think this thread may get some life and not need to go practically dormant until the crabs come in stock. I'll try to draw out some plans so you can get a visual of how I plan to set everything up, how everything will work, how I'm planning to raise the crablets, etc. In other words, I'm going to finish my project proposal, but also write up some hard copy, good ol'fashioned lab writeup where I'll outline my procedures and ALL! I'M SUUUPER PUMPED! Only thing better? This semester is almost out so I'll have even more time to get you the updates you deserve. I may even resurrect my YouTube channel, who knows? (Probably not, but we'll see
)
Are you excited?! Stay tuned!
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