HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Hey guys...I'm really trying to do the best for my babes, but they don't seem happy. (Not that I'm looking for a big grin or anything) but i see in so many posts how their hermies are so active. My tank usually looks like still-life...which worries me. I have a 10G...3 crabs. On the left side of the tank I had a 15w moon glow (on top) and the temp/humid gauge. On the right side a small UTH side mounted. The temp was always about 76. So I removed the top bulb, and added another larger UTH on the left. Exactly where the gauge is...so of course it's registering in the 90's. I just bought a 40g but didn't switch over yet, as I haven't seen 8-ball (could be molting). In the interim, where should heat, gauge be in the tank so I get the most accurate reading? Thank you!

How long have you had your crabs? They won't come out much when they are new sometimes. Also think about this: I have 13 crabs and only a few are ever out at any given time. If you only have three your sightings can be pretty low. I had my first 4 for 6 months and felt like I had an empty tank most of the time! Oh sure they came out at night - I would have to sneak out after bed to watch them. I have also read about people with crabs that are always out but I've not had that experience myself.I would put the heat gauge near the sub since that's kind of mid-tank. The sub will be cooler as you go down and of course it gets warmer as you go up. If you keep it a good temp near the sub then the crabs have both warmer and cooler options.

Your temp and humidity gauge should be opposite of the heat source so as not to get a false reading which will happen when the gauge is mounted right on or near the heat source.

A couple inches above the substrate is also good height for gauges, unless you need it higher to keep away from UTH or water bowls.It's also a bit of a down-activity period for crabs right now too I think, at least around here. There seems to be about a 3-month cycle of down then up, I think correlating to regular molting frequency of the majority of the crabs, but also to climate. I think in the peak of winter and summer they seem less active.Even during the less active days, when they seem to stay out of the daytime, if you throw in some yummy treats and then turn the lights on at like 2AM you'll often be surprised just how much activity is in there.

Ok...I will change the gauge to the opposite side of the heat source and will also place it close to the substrate. All 3 of them are down now and haven't seen them...even around 11:30pm when i used to see 1 or 2. I'm hoping they're molting because I added the uth which warmed up the sand. I'm sure once I get this right, all will be happy. I just don't want to 'kill them with kindness' so to say. Thank you all for your patience and valuable advice!

quote:Originally posted by Angeldna: I have 3 hermies for only about 2 mos now. Ok...I will change the gauge to the opposite side of the heat source and will also place it close to the substrate. All 3 of them are down now and haven't seen them...even around 11:30pm when i used to see 1 or 2. I'm hoping they're molting because I added the uth which warmed up the sand. I'm sure once I get this right, all will be happy. I just don't want to 'kill them with kindness' so to say. Thank you all for your patience and valuable advice!