HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Before I dive in and make another mistake, I just wanted to ask if this play sand was okay to make my substrate mix. Thanks in advance!

Here’s another.

My poor PP is now angry that his new shell won’t let him fit through his cave doorway. He’ll just have to learn to go through the bigger front door.

We’re only 2 months new to each other.

And I love their names!

Fantastic!!! I’m so jealous of everyone who can snap great pics of theirs. Mine hide each time I come near.

soilentgringa wrote:If the sand is dry you need to get the crab out of it. Dry sand won't hold a tunnel and the crab will suffocate.

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Thank you! I will!

Back in July when we got our crabs, I made the noob mistake of using calcium sand as the substrate. I did not mix this sand with any water. I noticed a couple weeks ago that one of the crabs is missing and I’m guessing it’s molting. I was going to change out their substrate but am not now. Should I ...

Is there a better substrate, such as all eco earth vs. mix of eco earth and play sand mix? I mistakenly made my first tat with calci sand and will be redoing it in the next month or so. Using a mix of ee and playsand helps maintain the correct consistency. You'll want to remove the calcium sand asa...

GotButterflies wrote:Great! Just so you know (most people don’t-) to get the most out of the air stone presoak it before using.


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Wow. I know so little. [emoji38] Thanks!

I just got a air pump for mine and it has helped with the humidity. Going to add a second air stone for the freshwater as well.

Did I also read somewhere that you should/can mix Instant Ocean in with the water that you saturate the substrate mixture with? I like to, as it helps prevent mold. Just don't add more salt water after the initial setup, because the water can evaporate but the salt will stay in the sub. Too much sa...

You all are the best! Thanks for all of the ongoing advice and reference links!

Also, because I'm a new crab father, does MSW (in reference to water) mean "mineral salt water" or something else?

Did I also read somewhere that you should/can mix Instant Ocean in with the water that you saturate the substrate mixture with?