Crab removal

[sparkyee]

I am about to remove my live rock to move a
purple lobster and a rock crab to the sump. My question is I may need to fresh water dip the rock to find the small crab. How long should I dip for and how much die off can I expect? The tank is almost 3 years old. This
alot of work and I want to do it right.

 

[jawbox]

Hi,

Instead of removing the rock why not bait a glass jar and place it next to the rock the crab resides in. Tilt it upwards so when he goes in he won't be able to climb out. This worked for me on several occasions. HTH

 

[sparkyee]

Hi jawbox,
Thanks for replying to me, I try that tall
glass trick on the crab, but I don't think it will work on the 4" lobster. I think he
would swim (fly) out of there. He is fast and clever. I am trying to get the tank ready for a pearly jawfish! It's a 54 gal corner. Thanks again!

 

[davelin315]

I don't think dipping the lobster would be a good idea for his health. Seems to me that you could possibly crack his carapace or seperate the soft underside from the top part when dipping him. I think you could get away with the jar thing if you use a narrower topped vase or something to do it with. Also, if you have room for a larger vase or jar, stick a rock in the bottom so that he hides by it instead of fleeing back out where he came from.

Or, just go out and get a lobster trap!