HCA: Hermit Crab Association

I have well water and that is what I have been feeding my guys. With high levels on rain the iron level has increased and now it is the color of rust. Will this harm the crabs? I have been giving them distilled water from the store for a few days now. Has anyone heard about high iron levels being an issue?

I have heard that well water is generally safe for the crabs; however, like you, I would be a bit hesitant to use the water if it has changed color. Crabs are also sensitive to metals, so you might want to wait to use your well water until the levels go down and the color returns to normal.

Until then, you may want to purchase a water dechlorinator and perhaps some jugs of water for them and you and your family.
You do not want to use distilled water, as it does not have the electrolytes and minerals that the crabs need out of water. Also, if the water has only been distilled, there is still Chlorine in the water, and it is not safe for the crabs.

If you want, there is a list of dechlorinators here: http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 25&t=92553

Yeah, I would be a hesitant to use it if the water is actually rusty. Bottled would be a much better option until it clears again!

Thank you again for both of your help. I recently had my favorite PP die so I am a bit more paranoid than normal. I "mis-tiped," I have not been using distilled water I have been using Dasani bottled water. I did not read anything about chlorine on the label. Do you think it contains anything odd? Would you suggest supplementing the water with anything?

I personally would still use a dechlorinator with the bottled water, as more than likely, it contains Chlorine and other metals.
I do not know the exact reasons, but companies that purify or collect water for our consumption do not need to list everything that is contained in the water. It could be that some people would get freaked out seeing Chlorine, fluoride, or various metals listed in an ingredient or contents list on a water bottle's label. Also these are trace amounts, they are not a large enough part of the water itself.

As humans we can handle amounts of metals, elements, minerals, etc. and we even need some of these in our bodies. Bottled water and tap water are made safe for us. Some cities, if you have public sewer for water, have fluoride, or add fluoride into the water, for example. Humans need Chlorine in their bodies, but Chlorine is harmful to Crustaceans. I know Chlorine damages their gills, I do not know if there is any other reason in addition to that.

Thank you for your help!

It is my pleasure to help.

Dasani actually has minerals added "for taste" so I'd be scared to use it without using a dechlor that neutralized heavy metals too.


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aldebaron0626 wrote:Dasani actually has minerals added "for taste" so I'd be scared to use it without using a dechlor that neutralized heavy metals too.

Insta-death to bettas. Definitely treat with dechlor, or use a much cheaper plain spring water or even the filler stations at the store!

Thank you all for he help.The water is a "normal" color again! I am not sure if the little guys can tell the difference but it makes me feels better to use the well water. I just bought a humidifier for the crabs (with my heat on the air seems dry.) Do you have a suggestion of what to use in the humidifier? I am not sure if well water is the way to go or if it will clog the humidifier. And feel free to tell me if I am over thinking this. Thanks!

Use dechlor water or whatever the manufacturer's instructions recommend (eg distilled)


Crabby since 8/13/14
Es Buzz and Bullseye
PPs Rex, Mick and Woody

HA! I will use distilled. The instructions are all in Japanese so they were fairly useless