Thoughts about water crystals

[acpart]

I use water crystals to hydrate my superworm beetles and crickets. Recently I found out 2 things:

1. The water crystals can be re-hydrated. That may be obvious to people, but I always thought the crystals were just a non-reversible chemical reaction and when they got small and yucky they were done. I didn't realize they are a polymer. THis will save a lot on cost for me.

2. There is a gardening product called water beads (www.waterbeads.net) which I'm trying out as a hydrator. It's like the crystals, but the polymer expands into marble sized spheres. It's worked really well since it doesn't hold cricket poop as well and the smooth surface keeps things cleaner. When the balls start to shrink I just wash them off and soak them again, and meanwhile replace them with new balls. The crickets do tend to eat away at some of the coating (non-toxic) to make the balls not quite like spheres, but I've been doing this for the last 2 months and it works well.

THe "beads" come in a lot of colors (non-toxic pigments). I"ve bought some black ones and am planning eventually to use them in one of my day gecko enclosures for bamboo.

Aliza

 

[fl_orchidslave]

Aliza, I've had good results using carrots for the beetles. The beads sound interesting for crickets.

 

[im faster]

i use them for my crix.. always..

they are great..

i bought a HUGE amount for next to nothing.. iwill probably never have to buy more again..

 

[acpart]

Aliza, I've had good results using carrots for the beetles. The beads sound interesting for crickets.

I use vegetable parings for the mealworm beetles but the superworms looked so much bigger I decided to go with more intense hydration. They do seem to be taking advantage of it.

Aliza

 

[ReptileWorld]

For years i only used carrots and greens misted with a hand mister for all of my feeders and it always worked great.

finally seen some water crytals being sold at a local reptile show and got some for my dubia i was planning on purchasing later on. i used the water crystals and loved it! I found a very good source for them VERY affordable. i like that you can make them lighter or heavier which is good.

i purchased `16 ounces of the water crystals for $6 its beeen 3 months and i am just starting to use my 2nd ounce and i have 2 colonies of dubia approx 700 roaches total. :main_thumbsup:

I think the 16 ounces will last a year or 2 so its well worth the $6

 

[animeavatar]

Anyone know where I can get them in Canada?

 

[Pokersnake]

I've been using the crystals for my various feeders. Meal worm beetles, crickets, and now my super worm beetles. I find that crickets last longer with the crystals v.s the water pillow things you find retail. Paired up with carrots, the crickets live for a week undisturbed.

 

[panthergecko]

he water crystals durty quickk

 

[acpart]

They can be re-hydrated and washed off once they get big again. Anything put with crickets will get dirty quick.

Aliza