New - not real emergency
Posted: Wed Jun 28, 2017 11:14 pm
Hi,
We recently acquired two hermit crabs. I think we have made a few mistakes with them so far, but really want to give them a good home and need some assurance that we are going in the right direction. One was very active, changed shells and has buried himself, other has been sluggish since we brought them home. I have filled out the help template. Thanks in advance.
1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it? Eco earth, started low, but just added enough to have 4inches (didn't know about the inch per 24 hr until I found this forum)
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? Yes. Close to substrate, temp 85, humidity 80
3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what? Undertake heater, on back of tank
4. What types of water are available (fresh or salt) and how is the water treated (what brands of dechlorinator or salt mix and what ratio is used to mix it)? Both. Using distilled water and salt water using aquarium salt
5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced? Daily replacement. Have pellet food (have learned that's not so good), put some strawberries in last night, blueberries tonight
6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known? Three days, not sure
7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen? Maybe now?
8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing? 10 gallon tank, mesh lid, mostly covered with Saran Wrap with opening for fresh air
9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they? 2. Maybe medium sized
10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any? Three currently, pretty sure I need to get some bigger ones.
11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently? No
12. How often do you clean the tank and how? When purchased. Cleaned with vinegar and waterm rinsed multiple times
13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned? Yes
14. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently? No
15. Is there any other information you would like to share that might be helpful (anything that is regularly part of your crab care, playtime, bathing, etc.)? One has not moved much since it came home. One was active, explored tank when they were transferred to it, but has since changed shells and buried itself a bit (can see top of shell). I don't think the new substrate is wet enough for them, but humidity looks ok on the gauge. Should I mist more and mix? Neither is fully buried. One that changed shells had a painted shell with a pretty big opening, went into new shell that had more of a slotted opening. Doesn't look like they are eating much, but could be while we sleep. I just want to give them a happy, healthy home and nervous they are not moving much.
We recently acquired two hermit crabs. I think we have made a few mistakes with them so far, but really want to give them a good home and need some assurance that we are going in the right direction. One was very active, changed shells and has buried himself, other has been sluggish since we brought them home. I have filled out the help template. Thanks in advance.
1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it? Eco earth, started low, but just added enough to have 4inches (didn't know about the inch per 24 hr until I found this forum)
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? Yes. Close to substrate, temp 85, humidity 80
3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what? Undertake heater, on back of tank
4. What types of water are available (fresh or salt) and how is the water treated (what brands of dechlorinator or salt mix and what ratio is used to mix it)? Both. Using distilled water and salt water using aquarium salt
5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced? Daily replacement. Have pellet food (have learned that's not so good), put some strawberries in last night, blueberries tonight
6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known? Three days, not sure
7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen? Maybe now?
8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing? 10 gallon tank, mesh lid, mostly covered with Saran Wrap with opening for fresh air
9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they? 2. Maybe medium sized
10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any? Three currently, pretty sure I need to get some bigger ones.
11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently? No
12. How often do you clean the tank and how? When purchased. Cleaned with vinegar and waterm rinsed multiple times
13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned? Yes
14. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently? No
15. Is there any other information you would like to share that might be helpful (anything that is regularly part of your crab care, playtime, bathing, etc.)? One has not moved much since it came home. One was active, explored tank when they were transferred to it, but has since changed shells and buried itself a bit (can see top of shell). I don't think the new substrate is wet enough for them, but humidity looks ok on the gauge. Should I mist more and mix? Neither is fully buried. One that changed shells had a painted shell with a pretty big opening, went into new shell that had more of a slotted opening. Doesn't look like they are eating much, but could be while we sleep. I just want to give them a happy, healthy home and nervous they are not moving much.
The tetra aquasafe doesn't remove ammonia according to Petco's website where I looked up the product, so I would not use that for a dechlorinator for your crabs. Ammonia can burn the hermit crabs modified gills. 