Water dishes
Water dishes
Our family is new to hermit crab care- we have one medium and one small PP in a 10 gallon tank. After hours of research I thought we had everything just right but now I’m concerned we don’t have proper water dishes. Should I be doing deeper “pools” of each fresh and salt water dug into the substrate? Not sure how to attach pictures but right now the fresh water is in a kidney shaped dish about 1/2 inch deep and the saltwater is maybe 1-1.5 inches deep (round)
Re: Water dishes


Here are a couple pictures of our crabitat - concerned about the water dishes being too shallow

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Re: Water dishes
I would say the saltwater one is too shallow, it is best if they can completely submerged to balance the salinity level in their shells. Great for a food dish though
also, are you using instant ocean? The hermit crab "saltwater conditioner" is really not a good salt source, unfortunately.

Re: Water dishes
Right now we are using bottles of saltwater from Petco. We also had bottles of dechlorinated water but bought the ZooMed conditioner today... I’ve heard mixed reviews about all things ZooMed so I’m slightly concerned about that as well. Somehow my 7 year old has sent me down a black hole of hermit crab care and I can’t get out! I’m now incredibly invested in their survival 

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Re: Water dishes
This saltwater mix is not great.
I'd suggest getting a small bottle of Seachem Prime and a box of Instant Ocean marine salt mix.
The products recommended by petstores are typically inadequate and expensive.
They need to be able to fully submerge, with a way to climb out.
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I'd suggest getting a small bottle of Seachem Prime and a box of Instant Ocean marine salt mix.
The products recommended by petstores are typically inadequate and expensive.
They need to be able to fully submerge, with a way to climb out.
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Re: Water dishes
Lol! I went down that very same hole in late July!kaykmerr wrote:Right now we are using bottles of saltwater from Petco. We also had bottles of dechlorinated water but bought the ZooMed conditioner today... I’ve heard mixed reviews about all things ZooMed so I’m slightly concerned about that as well. Somehow my 7 year old has sent me down a black hole of hermit crab care and I can’t get out! I’m now incredibly invested in their survival
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Mom to 3 human boys, 2 dogs - Hemi & Athena, 2 cats - Fat a$$ (realname Spark Plug) & Batman & 5 PP’s - Monstro, Pinkie aka Little Bit, Shellie, other 2 unnamed
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Re: Water dishes
try plastic tupperware bowls. they're cheap and make great pools! Just make sure to have a way for the crabs to climb in and out. Like craft mesh, cholla wood, etc.
4 purple pinchers & 2 ecuadorians living a life of luxury in south west Louisiana.
Follow my hermit crab learning journey on instagram! @hermitcrabs_in_the_boot
Follow my hermit crab learning journey on instagram! @hermitcrabs_in_the_boot
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Re: Water dishes
In the same boat as you. Went down the black hole early July and now I’m totally invested.kaykmerr wrote:Right now we are using bottles of saltwater from Petco. We also had bottles of dechlorinated water but bought the ZooMed conditioner today... I’ve heard mixed reviews about all things ZooMed so I’m slightly concerned about that as well. Somehow my 7 year old has sent me down a black hole of hermit crab care and I can’t get out! I’m now incredibly invested in their survival
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Re: Water dishes
Also, because I'm a new crab father, does MSW (in reference to water) mean "mineral salt water" or something else?
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Re: Water dishes
Marine salt water, made for saltwater fish aqauriums.ApePlanet wrote:Also, because I'm a new crab father, does MSW (in reference to water) mean "mineral salt water" or something else?
As opposed to freshwater salt or hermit crab salt, both of which are inadequate.
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Re: Water dishes
Here is a link on water bowls
One of our moderators made it. 
viewtopic.php?f=26&t=113691&hilit=double+dish+yo


viewtopic.php?f=26&t=113691&hilit=double+dish+yo
Truly blessed to have incredible creatures, wonderful friends and my amazing family in my life!! I'm very thankful & grateful for all of them! www.thehealthyhermit.com
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Re: Water dishes
You all are the best! Thanks for all of the ongoing advice and reference links!
Re: Water dishes
I’m learning new things I can do in this tank every time I get on hereGotButterflies wrote:Here is a link on water bowlsOne of our moderators made it.
viewtopic.php?f=26&t=113691&hilit=double+dish+yo



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Re: Water dishes
Yes! The air pump will help with humidity. The fogging has to do with the temperature difference from inside the tank and the room that it is in 
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Truly blessed to have incredible creatures, wonderful friends and my amazing family in my life!! I'm very thankful & grateful for all of them! www.thehealthyhermit.com
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Re: Water dishes
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.

