Water Crystals?

[LizMarie]

I finally received my water crystals this morning and I'm curious on how to use them. I know you place them in water and they soak it up but exactly how much water do I use? Can crystals be reused? How long do they last?

 

[Redleg]

You do not need to use much crystals. Crystals will usually absorb more then 300% of their dry form..... meaning whatever amount of dry crystal that you decide to use, it can absorb over 300% of that in water volume. A teaspoon will be A LOT of water crystal.

If you are using it just as a water source for crickets, start with a small pinch of the crystal and place that in a bowl, slowly add water until the point that the crystals can no longer absorb any..... at that point it would be referred to as a gel.

Generally you do not want to reuse any remaining(rehydrate) gel for sanitary reason, use start a new batch. Experiment by starting with small amounts and see how long it takes your crickets to consume in a couple of days and go from there. Key is not to create this massive ball of gel, just enough for them to consume in a couple of days (tip-change out the gel at the same time you change out the carrot/leafy green).

Hope this all helps!

 

[LizMarie]

Thanks Sean.

I dunno if it make a difference but I'm using it to feed some Dubia Roaches. I tried an experiment and took one crystal and placed it in a cup with water to see how big it would get.

 

[Redleg]

Same thing applies for roaches. Again, best thing is to determine the correct usage mount and replacing it when you replace the fresh food for the feeder (roaches).

 

[ElapidSVT]

i use 6tsp/gallon

 

[e_cupcake26]

You do not need to use much crystals. Crystals will usually absorb more then 300% of their dry form..... meaning whatever amount of dry crystal that you decide to use, it can absorb over 300% of that in water volume. A teaspoon will be A LOT of water crystal.

If you are using it just as a water source for crickets, start with a small pinch of the crystal and place that in a bowl, slowly add water until the point that the crystals can no longer absorb any..... at that point it would be referred to as a gel.

Generally you do not want to reuse any remaining(rehydrate) gel for sanitary reason, use start a new batch. Experiment by starting with small amounts and see how long it takes your crickets to consume in a couple of days and go from there. Key is not to create this massive ball of gel, just enough for them to consume in a couple of days (tip-change out the gel at the same time you change out the carrot/leafy green).

Hope this all helps!

What about those cricket pillows that become massive balls of gel? Are they any good or should I order the loose crystals?

 

[Pookachu]

When I first started to use water crystals I used to let them soak for a few hours and then drop them into the roach bin.

I've noticed that if you let them soak overnight the crystals get quite huge (I dunno if this helps or matters at all either but I also use hot water).

It's actually quite surprising how big they get... almost like trying to gauge popcorn kernels when making popcorn the old fashioned way (on the stove in a pot).

 

[Redleg]

These cricket pillows are just about the same thing. Crystals inside a mesh like type bag to keep it neat and organized. Do not recommend reusing the bags, better of using regular crystals. Once saturated, drop it inside the feeder tank, keep the gels on a plastic/deli lids for ease of cleaning.

 

[clear]

I use 3/4 of an ounce to 1 gallon of water.

 

[e_cupcake26]

These cricket pillows are just about the same thing. Crystals inside a mesh like type bag to keep it neat and organized. Do not recommend reusing the bags, better of using regular crystals. Once saturated, drop it inside the feeder tank, keep the gels on a plastic/deli lids for ease of cleaning.

thanks for the advice, I'll order some crystals instead. It'll be less expensive than the pillows in the long run. :main_thumbsup: