HCA: Hermit Crab Association

About 3 weeks ago I was spot cleaning my tank and when I moved the moss Xander was out of his shell just laying there!! I panicked and got a small container put holes in it and kept him in he tank. About a month before that he molted and was just done molting. So I was happy but then found him like this. So it’s been about 3 weeks since finding him out of his shell and stuff. I have been doing everything to the best of my knowledge and ability. When I checked on him today he still hasn’t moved and he is literally covered in white mold! I feel so horrible because maybe he suffered and it’s all my fault! I honestly don’t know what to do. And I haven’t seen my other crab for a long time either and now I’m wondering what’s going on with Bo too. Anyone have any insight or advice. Sorry for the long post. I can take pictures if you need. Thank you in advance. I am feeling so sad right now about this. Thank you for listening to me.
-Danny

Was that his first molt with you?
If you'd like us to help problem solve what might have gone wrong, you could fill in the emergency template so we know more about your tank etc.

I have had my hermits for about 3 years or so. And where do I find the template?

Here's the template:

https://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB ... 27&t=46102

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1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it?
Eco Earth. 3-4 inches from one side to the other

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 both. Humidity is around 60-80% and temp is usually around 82f

3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?
Yes. 2 small side of tank pads. They are on only one side so they can have a choice.

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)?
Fresh and salt. I use fresh water conditioner for all my water after I boil it and it cools. Then add instant ocean salt for salt water. I don’t measure the drops of declorinator but for salt the ratio is on the box 1tbsp per 16oz water

5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?
6 or 7 different kinds of food. I bought a new one a month or two ago. I can take pictures of everything.

6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?
Almost 3 years. Hopefully my other one is not dead because I have 2.

7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen?
Molted many many times! Always very stressful for me but I keep up with changing the water and food still

8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing?
5.5 gallon with mesh lid but the mesh is more than half covered to keep humidity. Also have a loft type thing in the tank.

9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?
2 crabs now. And not big at all. The shell openings are around 3/4in.
10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any?
2-4
11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently? No
12. How often do you clean the tank and how?
I try to clean every couple months but then when I go to clean someone is molting so I can’t touch it.

13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned?
NO
14. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently?
New food
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.)?
I don’t hold them or take them out as to not stress them. I also have a daylight light above the tank for uv or uvb stuff.
16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail. I described in my first post. I can add more details and pictures if needed.

Thank you- Danny

CrabbyLover77 wrote: ↑

Fri Sep 10, 2021 10:46 am

Here's the template:

https://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB ... 27&t=46102

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk

1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it?
Eco Earth. 3-4 inches from one side to the other

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 both. Humidity is around 60-80% and temp is usually around 82f

3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?
Yes. 2 small side of tank pads. They are on only one side so they can have a choice.

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)?
Fresh and salt. I use fresh water conditioner for all my water after I boil it and it cools. Then add instant ocean salt for salt water. I don’t measure the drops of declorinator but for salt the ratio is on the box 1tbsp per 16oz water

5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?
6 or 7 different kinds of food. I bought a new one a month or two ago. I can take pictures of everything.

6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?
Almost 3 years. Hopefully my other one is not dead because I have 2.

7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen?
Molted many many times! Always very stressful for me but I keep up with changing the water and food still

8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing?
5.5 gallon with mesh lid but the mesh is more than half covered to keep humidity. Also have a loft type thing in the tank.

9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?
2 crabs now. And not big at all. The shell openings are around 3/4in.
10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any?
2-4
11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently? No
12. How often do you clean the tank and how?
I try to clean every couple months but then when I go to clean someone is molting so I can’t touch it.

13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned?
NO
14. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently?
New food
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.)?
I don’t hold them or take them out as to not stress them. I also have a daylight light above the tank for uv or uvb stuff.
16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail. I described in my first post. I can add more details and pictures if needed.

Thank you- Danny

Hi! I'll put my suggestions under your answers. Hope this helps!

1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it?
Eco Earth. 3-4 inches from one side to the other

CL77- Sub should be 6", or 3x the height of your largest crab, whichever is deeper. Is it moistened to sand castle consistency using dechlor fresh or salt water?

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 both. Humidity is around 60-80% and temp is usually around 82f

CL77- Humidity should not fall below 70%. 80% is good to shoot for.

3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?
Yes. 2 small side of tank pads. They are on only one side so they can have a choice.

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)?
Fresh and salt. I use fresh water conditioner for all my water after I boil it and it cools. Then add instant ocean salt for salt water. I don’t measure the drops of declorinator but for salt the ratio is on the box 1tbsp per 16oz water

CL77- No need to boil your water unless your township is advising you to.

5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?
6 or 7 different kinds of food. I bought a new one a month or two ago. I can take pictures of everything.

CL77- Variety is key. They can eat many of the things we eat. Check out the safe food list. Be sure to offer a constant supply of protein and calcium.

6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?
Almost 3 years. Hopefully my other one is not dead because I have 2.

7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen?
Molted many many times! Always very stressful for me but I keep up with changing the water and food still

8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing?
5.5 gallon with mesh lid but the mesh is more than half covered to keep humidity. Also have a loft type thing in the tank.

CL77-Imo, 5.5 gals is too small for 2 crabs unless they are really tiny. You can keep the entire mesh lid covered in saran wrap to keep the humidity higher. The crabs will get air exchange when you do tank maintenance every day or two.

9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?
2 crabs now. And not big at all. The shell openings are around 3/4in.

10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any?
2-4

CL77- HCA recommends each crab have 3-5 shells to pick from. Be sure you are offering the correct type of shell. If the remaining crab is a PP, they prefer round openings, like turbos.

11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently? No

12. How often do you clean the tank and how?
I try to clean every couple months but then when I go to clean someone is molting so I can’t touch it.

CL77- No need to completely change out substrate unless there is an emergency, like a bacterial bloom or flood.

13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned?
NO

14. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently?
New food

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.)?
I don’t hold them or take them out as to not stress them. I also have a daylight light above the tank for uv or uvb stuff.

16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail. I described in my first post. I can add more details and pictures if needed.

Thank you- Danny

CL77- I would suggest upgrading to a 10 gal if possible. That way, you can have deeper substrate. Make sure you are always are offering lots of protein and calcium. For more shells, Naples has a nice online store. That's where I get mine from. Also, I'd cover the entire mesh lid in saran wrap to ensure the humidity always stays above 70%. If you do this, make sure not to sit any lights directly on top of the wrap.

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk

Curious…did you re-shell him in that container or was he in there shell-less?

I’m so sorry you found him like that. CL77 offered great advice.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

CrabbyLover77 wrote: ↑

Fri Sep 10, 2021 10:46 am

Here's the template:

https://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB ... 27&t=46102

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk

1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it?
Eco Earth. 3-4 inches from one side to the other

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 both. Humidity is around 60-80% and temp is usually around 82f

3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?
Yes. 2 small side of tank pads. They are on only one side so they can have a choice.

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)?
Fresh and salt. I use fresh water conditioner for all my water after I boil it and it cools. Then add instant ocean salt for salt water. I don’t measure the drops of declorinator but for salt the ratio is on the box 1tbsp per 16oz water

5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?
6 or 7 different kinds of food. I bought a new one a month or two ago. I can take pictures of everything.

6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?
Almost 3 years. Hopefully my other one is not dead because I have 2.

7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen?
Molted many many times! Always very stressful for me but I keep up with changing the water and food still

8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing?
5.5 gallon with mesh lid but the mesh is more than half covered to keep humidity. Also have a loft type thing in the tank.

9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?
2 crabs now. And not big at all. The shell openings are around 3/4in.
10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any?
2-4
11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently? No
12. How often do you clean the tank and how?
I try to clean every couple months but then when I go to clean someone is molting so I can’t touch it.

13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned?
NO
14. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently?
New food
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.)?
I don’t hold them or take them out as to not stress them. I also have a daylight light above the tank for uv or uvb stuff.
16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail. I described in my first post. I can add more details and pictures if needed.

crabbycasey wrote: ↑

Sun Sep 12, 2021 7:31 am

Curious…did you re-shell him in that container or was he in there shell-less?

I’m so sorry you found him like that. CL77 offered great advice.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I found him shell less.

CrabbyLover77 wrote: ↑

Sat Sep 11, 2021 9:55 pm

Hi! I'll put my suggestions under your answers. Hope this helps!

1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it?
Eco Earth. 3-4 inches from one side to the other

CL77- Sub should be 6", or 3x the height of your largest crab, whichever is deeper. Is it moistened to sand castle consistency using dechlor fresh or salt water?

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 both. Humidity is around 60-80% and temp is usually around 82f

CL77- Humidity should not fall below 70%. 80% is good to shoot for.

3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?
Yes. 2 small side of tank pads. They are on only one side so they can have a choice.

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)?
Fresh and salt. I use fresh water conditioner for all my water after I boil it and it cools. Then add instant ocean salt for salt water. I don’t measure the drops of declorinator but for salt the ratio is on the box 1tbsp per 16oz water

CL77- No need to boil your water unless your township is advising you to.

5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?
6 or 7 different kinds of food. I bought a new one a month or two ago. I can take pictures of everything.

CL77- Variety is key. They can eat many of the things we eat. Check out the safe food list. Be sure to offer a constant supply of protein and calcium.

6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?
Almost 3 years. Hopefully my other one is not dead because I have 2.

7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen?
Molted many many times! Always very stressful for me but I keep up with changing the water and food still

8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing?
5.5 gallon with mesh lid but the mesh is more than half covered to keep humidity. Also have a loft type thing in the tank.

CL77-Imo, 5.5 gals is too small for 2 crabs unless they are really tiny. You can keep the entire mesh lid covered in saran wrap to keep the humidity higher. The crabs will get air exchange when you do tank maintenance every day or two.

9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?
2 crabs now. And not big at all. The shell openings are around 3/4in.

10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any?
2-4

CL77- HCA recommends each crab have 3-5 shells to pick from. Be sure you are offering the correct type of shell. If the remaining crab is a PP, they prefer round openings, like turbos.

11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently? No

12. How often do you clean the tank and how?
I try to clean every couple months but then when I go to clean someone is molting so I can’t touch it.

CL77- No need to completely change out substrate unless there is an emergency, like a bacterial bloom or flood.

13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned?
NO

14. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently?
New food

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.)?
I don’t hold them or take them out as to not stress them. I also have a daylight light above the tank for uv or uvb stuff.

16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail. I described in my first post. I can add more details and pictures if needed.

Thank you- Danny

CL77- I would suggest upgrading to a 10 gal if possible. That way, you can have deeper substrate. Make sure you are always are offering lots of protein and calcium. For more shells, Naples has a nice online store. That's where I get mine from. Also, I'd cover the entire mesh lid in saran wrap to ensure the humidity always stays above 70%. If you do this, make sure not to sit any lights directly on top of the wrap.

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk

Thank you so much for this insight. Honestly the crab I found is still in the tank Bec I don’t know what to do with him. There is literally no smell of rot or anything. I can’t bear to throw him away because what if he’s not dead. I’m just literally so sad. I will fix the things you pointed out. But what to do with Xander. My heart is broken because he was suffering. I’m so sorry.

Daniellebusone22 wrote:

Thank you so much for this insight. Honestly the crab I found is still in the tank Bec I don’t know what to do with him. There is literally no smell of rot or anything. I can’t bear to throw him away because what if he’s not dead. I’m just literally so sad. I will fix the things you pointed out. But what to do with Xander. My heart is broken because he was suffering. I’m so sorry.

Yw!

If he's out of his shell and not responding to touch, he's passed away. I'm so sorry.

I'd just work on the upgrades I suggested for your remaining crabby. If you get a bigger tank set up, only move him when he is out and about (not dug under).

Try not to beat yourself up. I had been crabbing for appx 10 years when I found the HCA. I had to change pretty much everything about my set up and food to get my crabbies in optimal conditions. I used calcium sand, I used the wrong kind of salt, my substrate wasn't deep enough, I didn't give them a ton of climbing room, their diet wasn't varied enough, etc.

One of my fav quotes:
"I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better."
-Maya Angelou




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