HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Hi all.

I've just become an owner of 2 hermies. I live in the UK and there is no Hermit Crab Association as good as yours so I hope its OK for someone 'across the pond' joining yours?

I'm having a bit of a panic... when I set my crabitat up I added the liquid to de-chlorify the tap water to soak the substrate in (eco earth) and used it straight away. I have read that you should leave the treated water for 24 hours before you use it... Any advise much appreciated!

Wendy xx

Hi Wendy, Welcome aboard. We have people all over the world on here, Lots from the states, Canada Japan, Korea, Australia, and a few other European countries.

So you used the dechlorinator in the water as instructed on the bottle. Then used that water right away to mix the substrate? I don't think I would panic about it. I think you are reading the guidelines slightly wrong. You can leave tap water in an open container for 24 hours and the chlorine will naturally evaporate. Boiling water will also remove chlorine. A dechlorinator usually works instantly to the water. Just read the label to be sure.

Here is our care guide for making water safe for hermits.
http://www.hermitcrabassociation.com/ph ... 27&t=92553

This is a basic guide to substrate.
http://www.hermitcrabassociation.com/ph ... 26&t=92542

I was in England for work last year, near Alton. I wish I had time to actually visit instead of just work.

Hi many thanks for advice and links.. Very valuable