HCA: Hermit Crab Association

I've always had a preference for 1/2 sand, 1/2 EE substrates because it allows the crabs to choose what they like to bury in, and they do as they definitely demonstrate their own preferences however I find it difficult to maintain. Butted up against each other in the middle, the sand wicks moisture from the EE causing one to be more dry than I care for and the sand to become too heavy. The solution to that latter issue is to fluff it regularly but I never know where the buried ones are and it still doesn't stop it from wicking the water from the EE.Anyone else here do half and halfs and if so, are you successful in keeping both to your liking?

CA why not get an acrylic piece to seperate the two substrates?

I suppose that's an option and I could use sealant to put it in place but my 72 is a nuisance to clean already because of it's height, shape and the narrow opening of the versa tops (I spill 1/2 of every scoop of substrate I remove because I'm too lazy to take the lights down and the lid off). I'm afraid dividing it might lead me to clean it less. A divider would certainly solve my problem though and allow me to continue offering my crabbies a choice.

CA, I was just wondering if your hermies seem to have a favorite side. When I set up my big tank I was thinking of doing 1/2 and 1/2 to see what mine like better.

There is no one favorite among the group, but each has their own preference of the two and consistently buries in the same substrate.

I cut a piece of plexiglass to fit tightly across my 75 and didn't need to seal it. It keeps the sand and EE separate very well except for the little bit at the top they mix. I wouldn't take their choice away from them. I'm sure they love it too much.

I had a mix of EE and PlaySand but thy kept getting mixed from my little tunnlers. I found the EE looked dirty in the tank and didn't like it aestetically. Also, my humidity was too high with my sand being wet - and living in Florida. So I mixed them up and now the sand is a kind of dirty but natural looking brown and beige. The humidity is levelled out and it looks much better. I basically gave up on the mixing and just mussed it all up together.

I actually use a plastic rain gutter screen to separate the two substrates... I think I bought it at home depot for three or five dollars... or maybe Ace Hardware... but I'm sure if the store has rain gutter supplies, they have screens for them as well