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not sure what kind of mite this is
Posted: Wed Aug 05, 2015 1:28 pm
by crystal9534
i've looked all over the web and can't figure out what kind of mite these are. they're not attached to my crabs, just wandering around the tank, and multiplying quickly. if they're not harmful, i guess i'll leave it alone, but they're ugly to look at. i have a 10 gallon tank with the "i think" coconut fiber that was compacted into a disk. uth that's on the side by the food shell, heat lamp with 60 watt bulb, usually about 75 degrees in the tank, screen lid with plastic wrap around it
Re: not sure what kind of mite this is
Posted: Wed Aug 05, 2015 4:16 pm
by Rebecca C
Hello there and welcome to the HCA!
Those look like food mites; which, are completely harmless. There is a wealth of all kinds of information here and anything you cannot find, we are happy to help you figure things out. Here is a link to the article on mites:
http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 25&t=92530
Re: not sure what kind of mite this is
Posted: Wed Aug 05, 2015 7:24 pm
by crystal9534
thanks rebecca! is there a way to get rid of them/prevent them from popping up so much? i deep cleaned my tank about 2 months ago, boiling the substrate for about 45 minutes, and washing the decor in hot soapy water. they just now popped up again X(
Re: not sure what kind of mite this is
Posted: Thu Aug 06, 2015 1:51 am
by wodesorel
They are native to our environment and are found in our homes. They're drawn to the heat and humidity of the crab tank and are given a food supply, so they tend to be found in greater numbers there. Cleaning the tank is a temporary measure only, as more will show up within a few days from the surrounding area. They do act as a clean up crew and they help to prevent mold growth and aide in the breakdown of wastes in the tank.
Re: not sure what kind of mite this is
Posted: Thu Aug 06, 2015 11:30 am
by crystal9534
alrighty, i'll just leave em be then
thanks a bunch guys
Re: not sure what kind of mite this is
Posted: Thu Aug 06, 2015 12:18 pm
by Persia352
Hello!
I had the same problem when I just used Eco Earth by itself. Mix it up with playsand will help solve the problem. More sand than Eco earth Good luck!
Re: not sure what kind of mite this is
Posted: Thu Aug 06, 2015 4:50 pm
by wodesorel
Persia352 wrote:Hello!
I had the same problem when I just used Eco Earth by itself. Mix it up with playsand will help solve the problem. More sand than Eco earth Good luck!
This usually doesn't make them go away, but camouflages them against the sand the so they aren't as noticeable. Feed something like the love - like banana - and they'll show up right quick!
