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Can grain mites travel on hermit crabs to new tanks?
Posted: Mon Dec 02, 2024 8:58 pm
by happyhermies33
So I noticed my 10 gallon iso tank has some tiny tan mites hanging out on the wood decor and i have 2 new adoption crabs in there right now (1 molting and 1 i’m planning on moving to the main 150 gallon tank tomorrow), and i think what attracted them in there is some spilled chia seeds made a mini chia sprout garden in the corner of the tank. it doesn’t seem like i have those mites in my main tank, so my question is can they travel on the hermie i'm planning on moving in to the main tank and infest that tank to? if they can travel on the hermies how do i avoid it? thanks!
Re: Can grain mites travel on hermit crabs to new tanks?
Posted: Mon Dec 02, 2024 9:46 pm
by HermitGuy3
Just remember that I'd you have food/ grain mites they can act as a cleanup crew for the tank and help clean up the crabs poo. I don't think the mites will usually be on the crabs, but they might. I think you can maybe dip the crabs in some freshwater to get off the mites? (I know you are not supposed to do that regularly, but you can do it once, like when introducing new crabs) I have never upgraded tanks or dealed with mites personally though so maybe don't listen to me too hard lol.
Re: Can grain mites travel on hermit crabs to new tanks?
Posted: Mon Dec 02, 2024 9:59 pm
by happyhermies33
HermitGuy3 wrote: ↑Mon Dec 02, 2024 9:46 pm
Just remember that I'd you have food/ grain mites they can act as a cleanup crew for the tank and help clean up the crabs poo. I don't think the mites will usually be on the crabs, but they might. I think you can maybe dip the crabs in some freshwater to get off the mites? (I know you are not supposed to do that regularly, but you can do it once, like when introducing new crabs) I have never upgraded tanks or dealed with mites personally though so maybe don't listen to me too hard lol.
i think your right i was definitely thinking of doing a freshwater dip for Tater before adding him to the main tank to try to rinse any possible mites off him. i’ve never dealt with mites either so i’m not sure what to do lol
Re: Can grain mites travel on hermit crabs to new tanks?
Posted: Sat Dec 07, 2024 12:03 pm
by curlysister
No, grain mites will not travel on hermit crabs. But you very well may end up with them in the other tank at some point anyways LOL. The fresh water dip will ensure they all smell the same, that is a good idea.