HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Why do you feel that you need to deep clean your tank? Is there something in particular happening, that you need to do more than surface clean? Nothing in particular, but I do see them drag their food into burrows so I worry about their sand/dirt getting pretty gross. Should I not worry about doing...

Hi guys 😊 ive got 4 crabbies and have been waiting a long time to clean the tank out because 2 of the crabbies are almost always under ground.. I've only got 1 isolation tank can they both be in there together if I do find that they are molting or can I put one in a large Tupperware or something alo...

Hey guys 🙂 Is it best to measure a shell that's closest to what they've got on or actually measure the opening of the shell they're in? All 4 of my crabbies have about the same size shell on which is a little odd because one is smaller then the middle 2 and the other is bigger then the middle 2. I t...

Hey guys! Just a couple of things, 😊 1.) How is a shell shack made? My shells keep getting full of sand 🙁 can they change in the shell shack or do they have to bring the shell out to change? Also, how do they check out the shells on the bottom of the shell shack? 2.) Are any one else's hermie's obse...

Hi I was wondering how you disinfect plastic things since they will melt if you boil them? I bought a spray bottle last night and I'm going out to get some plastic canvas today, how will I disinfect them? Thanks

When I first got my crab Ichabod many years ago, he pinched me while I was moving him. I had to run to the bathroom sink, and gently turn on the water, and place him underneath to get him to let go. Boy did it hurt! If you're going to use your hand, keep your hand flat out so there's nothing to pin...

I sat him in my hand like cupping my hand. I just got them today so I was moving them into the enclosure from the container they came in

Got my hermies 2 more friends today as 2 of the others we had didn't make it :( (they were from the beach, found a local pet store that takes good care of their crabbies) and while I was moving the bigger one he got scared and pinched me 😭 what is the best way to move them? I don't want to hold them...

Thank you!

Are your crabs small? I swear that for the first two or three years I had them, the only way I knew they were eating is that they were alive. It seemed like I put in and took out the same amount of food! Hmm.. Maybe? Theyre definitely not big by anymeans! They are about double the size of a quarter...

How long can these guys go without eating?? I've had these guys for about 4 days. I've only ever seen 1 bit of food eaten which was some egg so I'm happy whoever ate chose the protein haha I knew they probably wouldn't eat for a little since theres lots of changes going on but I've put a lot of diff...

Exciting news! My prime, instant ocean will be here tomorrow! How much of the instant ocean and prime will I need to add since I'm imagining the bag/bottle will be directions for a large batch?

Okay thanks how will i mix it if my hermie is still under? Im not sure what's up with the one who apparently likes to live underground he looked healthy, happy and hairy so I hope he's gonna be okay!

Is it supposed to be above the substrate or start at the bottom of the substrate and go up? Also, I've measured my substrate in at 5" the crabbies themselves are pretty small probably double the size of a quarter will they be okay until I can get some play sand? I have money for it just no time toda...

Hi! I just wanted to say welcome to the HCA! Welcome also to the addictive world of crabbing! Make sure that you have your UTH (Heater) on the back or the side of the tank and not on the bottom. Us crabbers use them to heat the air. :) We are here if you have any questions :) 😲 really?! Okay I'll h...