HCA: Hermit Crab Association

When I pick him up to reshell him, how should I pick him up?

Here is the filled out template: 1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it? Coconut soil and about 1 1/2 inches. 2. Do you have gauges in the tank to measure temperature and humidity? If so, where are they located and what temperature and humidity do they usually read? No, I ...

It's my first time with a molting crab. My crab has already shed all of his exoskeleton, and since I don't have much substrate, he did it on the surface. But he is walking around without a shell? I don't know if he's okay and if I should leave him alone. I gave him 3 different shells to choose from,...

Thank you everyone! I guess there isn't that much to worry about. I think he may be molting as well as he has dug under his substrate and has not come up since yesterday morning.

I have been feeding my hermit crab some food from the pet store, but he wasn't eating much. But after researching online, I found out that they usually do not like that food and prefer fruits and vegetables. But even after switching out the pellets for apples and lettuce, he still hasn't taken a bit...

Pretty well actually, I have replaced his water bowl and I haven't seen him use it but I guess I'll never know as he is always active when I am asleep!

I have since scraped off the mold, and replaced my water with saltwater. I'm not exactly sure what I'm using, I think it may be coconut soil. But I kind of freaked out when I first saw it, haha. :oops: But after researching, I did put him back in his tank and he doesn't seem to mind it. Thank you ev...

I went to check on my little buddy and I found mold on the substrate! I can't get new soil until later today, where do I keep him? Do I keep him next to me, or do I put him back in his crabitat? I have scraped out the visible mold on the surface, and plan on replacing the substrate today. But until ...

Thank you so much! I got a deeper thing to use as a water bowl. He's happier already!

Oh, okay. I didn't know that. Thank you so much!

I just got Raphael last night, and I have a few questions.
My hermit crab starter kit came with food and water "shells" and nearly no water can fit in there. Has anyone ever had experience with these kind of "bowls?" My dad and I saw no actual bowls or dishes, so we have no idea what to do.

My crab needs some water but we do not have any bottled water and the safest tap water we have is some that has been sitting out for maybe 12-14 hours. Is this water safe for my crab? Or do I need to wait for 10-12 hours more?