Clean Sponges or Throw them Out

[hermit_crab_mommy]

I haven’t had my hermit crabs and although I dip the sponges in hot water and then squeeze them out, I have heard that you should microwave the sponges every few days. I don’t know if I should do the microwave cleaning method or every few day or throw out the sponges and replace them with new ones.

I know that bacteria and mold can grow on the sponges quickly, and although I haven’t seen anything on them yet, I don’t want to risk it. I also don’t want to stop using sponges because my crabs seem to like them. So, is it safe to microwave clean the sponges along with hot water or should I just replace them?

[Hermiesguardian]

They do hold bacteria. You can feed them dry natural sponge.

[curlysister]

You should not use them in the water. Like HG said, put them in the tank dry for the crabs to snack on. Not in the water bowls.