looking for pics

[gigger]

hello,
        first time poster on any board. was wondering if pictures would be possible for a small  tank set up for maybe say-2 dozen peelers?
         any details on set up would be appreciated also,
                                                                             thanks.  gigger

[jack1747]

Do you need a open or closed system? I can get ya some pics. I have a open system.  We use a 50 gallon stock tank.  I installed a overflow and pump the water from the creek into the tank.  The tank sits on the end of the pier.  It handles 2 dozen peelers with no problem. Enough to keep me over supplied with soft crabs for eating and fishing.  In fact this spring has been so good I been give them away.

PS: Welcome to the forum.

[SHELLFISH]

Welcome to BCA!
Do a search for peeler crabs, buster crabs or soft crabs.
One of the members here has a major operation.
Overkill for what you are looking for but you may get some ideas.

[gigger]

hello,
        Thanks for the welcomes. i like the idea of a stock tank for a closed system. i also read about a small swimming pool with an aquarium pump and extra filters. would the aquarium filters be enough to remove the ammonia and nitrites in a 50 to 55 gal system for about a dozen peelers at a time? I am offshore right now and still have a couple of weeks too go before going home. i can hardly wait!
I made a trotline while i was home last time-my son and my daughter went with me-the trotline is excellant! caught some nice female pre molt crabs and i got to thinking about the systems i've read about on here. I just want to try-small and simple. any pics would be helpful.
By the way i would be hauling salt water from where we crab.    THANKS!                                gigger

[ChrisS]

Clsed systems are tough. You need bacteria to remove the toxins. Your filter will ust remove debris. Also, keep in mind, by toting the saltwater......the water will evaporate, but the salt does not......and it will build up quickly to toxic levels.

[gigger]

hello,
        good point about the evaporation. I think i will go ahead with the bio filter idea. hopefully i will get a chance to talk to jeff l about his set up. I have internet access right now but no phone line. anyhow appreciate the reply and will continue to read info.
                                                                                                                                                gigger

[jack1747]

Check out the resources page if ya haven't already.  Lots of good stuff on soft crab shedding systems -> http://www.bluecrab.info/resources2.htm

[jeff l]

I would just make salt water, and buy a "pond hydrometer" get the salinity close to the gulf where you caught the crabs. Even if you haul water you still need a hydometer.

Bill on here had a good idea for a tank, he bought a laundry type sink, and one buy one he connected the inputs and outputs. This might be an idea for a small set up.

[gigger]

jeff,
      is there a pic of that laundry sink set up. i may have missed that post. i was wondering if he had a bio filter on it & how it was set up. i also have been doing the reading on the resource. my eyes are kind of bloodshot. its amazing what excites you as you get older. its like being a kid again and waiting for santa!

[ChrisS]

Use Bio-balls, they are by far, better than any other material such as oyster shells and such, you can use for the bio-filter.